RD188 - Annual Progress Report of the Department of General Services on the Effect of the Aging Population on State Agencies


Executive Summary:
[09-29-06 -- This entire report was replaced by the author.]

Virginia Code § 2.2-5510 (A.4.) requires each state agency to include in its strategic plan "an analysis of the impact that the aging of the population will have on its ability to deliver services and a description of how the agency is responding to these changes." Virginia Code § 2.2-5510 (A.4.) provides that "(b)ased on guidance from the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, each agency shall report by October 1 of each year to the Governor and to the General Assembly its progress for addressing the impact of the aging of the population in at least five specific actions."

The Department of General Services (DGS) is a service organization that supports state agencies and institutions, local governments and the federal government in a variety of ways. The agency is comprised of the Division of Engineering and Buildings, the Division of Purchase and Supply, the Division of Consolidated Laboratories, the Division of Real Estate Services, the Office of Fleet Management Services and the Office of Graphic Communications.

We have addressed the issues based on guidance from Secretary Tavenner as required by Va. Code § 2.2-5510(A.4). We find that:

• DGS does not provide direct services to individuals and we have no statistical information on services provided to any persons or specific groups.
• DGS does not provide services that are specifically utilized by senior citizens.
• DGS has no programs specifically designed to serve seniors.
• The DGS website was developed to provide accessibility but the web pages are not currently fully accessible. We are committed to provide full accessibility as resources permit.
• DGS has a representative working with the Olmstead Project so we can quickly respond to any support needs and provide technical assistance as needed.
• DGS will continue to provide support to all state agencies and institutions and to other governmental entities through our various programs, and in particular we will continue to enforce requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act as they relate to building construction and renovations.