RD184 - Annual Progress Report of the Department of Rehabilitative Services on the Effect of the Aging Population on State Agencies


Executive Summary:
Most of the services offered through DRS have waiting lists. As the number of senior citizens grows, this may present problems in access to services. Of particular import, the Personal Assistance Services (PAS) program serves about 187 consumers per year and has awaiting list of 55 persons of all ages. If PAS is to become a viable service option for senior citizens, funding will have to be increased accordingly in order to minimize waiting lists and access when need arises.

Grand Driver is one new program that provides a needed service to senior citizens. Since July 2004, DRS has seen 119 individuals at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center for driving evaluations and/or driver's training using grant funds.

DRS is developing strategies and revising printed and web based media to be more "senior-friendly" even though the relative numbers of seniors served is small. Telephone and office accessibility is very good due to the commitment that DRS has to address accessibility issues for physically disabled citizens of the Commonwealth.