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HHS Office on Disability


Description:

The US Health and Human Service’s Office on Disability (the Office) oversees the implementation and coordination of programs and policies across the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that enhance the health and well-being of people with disabilities across all ages, races, and ethnicities. The Office plays an important role in breaking down barriers between and among HHS agencies so that their cooperation and coordination on projects related to improved health and wellness for persons with disabilities are successful.

When the Office was launched in 2002, the then HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson stated:

“HHS is engaged in important and dynamic work to help the nearly 54 million Americans living with disabilities. The new Office on Disability will bring increased focus and awareness to the issue, and will allow the department to interact with valuable partners in the most effective manner.”


In May, 2011, the Office’s website lists these as its major activities:

-Community Living Initiative – In 2009, President Barack Obama proclaimed it as the “Year of Community Living.” Since then, the Office has served in the role of coordinator of the many efforts through many departments and offices across HHS helping people with disabilities leave nursing homes and other types of institutions to livie in the community.

-Disability Topics – On its website, the Office has a library of all documents developed within HHS related to people with disabilities and their needs. Most can be downloaded for free.

-Emergency Preparedness- The Office has a great deal of information, and is available to provide technical assistance to state and local entities that need to prepare emergency evacuation plans that are inclusive of people with a wide range of disabilities.

-Section 508 Compliance – The Office assists everyone across HHS in assuring that all electronic venues and products are accessible to people with a range of abilities and disabilities.


Description based on a review of the US Health and Human Service’s Office on Disability’s website on 5/14/11 (Homepage: http://www.hhs.gov/od/index.html)

Contact Info:
Name:Office on Disability
Organization:U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Address:200 Independence Avenue, S.W
Room 637D
Washington, DC 20201
  
E-mail:ODInfo@hhs.gov
  

Web Links

http://www.hhs.gov/od/index.html
Home page of the HHS Office on Disability

This information was found at www.qualitymall.org