AS- AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER: No Wrong Door Initiative

2020

American Samoa is the only U.S. Territory south of the equator consists of seven islands Tutuila, Aunu'u, 'Ofu, Olosega, Ta'u, Swains and Rose Atoll. The No Wrong Door initiative will cover the entire territory of American Samoa (AS). The lead agency University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the request and partnership of Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) will deliver the following activities with AS emergency response efforts. The outcome is older adults and people with disabilities of all ages access community living, personal choice, and independence. An ADRC council will be formed that will include, but not limited to TAOA, UCEDD, Protection and Advocacy (P&A), Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC), and Voc-Rehab (VR), administrators of Independent Living Center (ILC) and Assistive Technology (AT), Samoan Studies Institute (SSI), Pacific Basin Telehealth Center, and SH3 Resource Development. Goal 1: Rapid assessment of challenges to COVID-19. Object: 1.1) Administer survey of local level staff and workload or capacity and challenges working remotely; 1.2) Develop a transitional process and population assessment to support individuals seeking hospital to home, nursing home to home to be shared with LBJ Hospital; 1.3) Develop outreach plan with information and referral to respond to needs identified for people at risk for social isolation and/or homebound (pre) COVID-19; 1.4) Translate documents in Samoan. Goal 2: Virtual management of ADRC accessing functions. Object. 2.1) Develop and enhance infrastructure and e-services in Manu'a and remote locations in Tutuila to support single point entry access of services. Goal 3: Innovative services or service structures. Obj. 3.1 Develop plan and secure transportation services to deliver medication and groceries to aging and disability community; Obj. 3.2 Develop and provide AT assessment and devices w/internet access; Obj 3.3 Conduct and deliver AT training for social engagement, telehealth, and education access while reducing social isolation.

COVID-19, isolation, telehealth, Assistive Technology

Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services

Health-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Transportation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Territory, Specific Groups

Single-County, State

N/A