Dane County Support for Aging [PDF]

Notes on Supporting People with Developmental Disabilities in Dane County Who Acquire Additional Disabilities as They Age

John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien

July 2004

The DD system faces two growing demands.
These demands come at a time when it is increasingly difficult to generate the resources to meet them.
The system has the desire, the values, and the competencies necessary to re- spond to the changing needs of people who are aging. Providers have dealt capably with similar needs in younger people and with a growing number of older people.
However, managing the difficulties generated by the interactions among these four trends challenges the whole system. Much is at stake and there are no easy answers. Three principles will guide responsible people to act with integrity.

Sustain good relationships
Think in decades
Think of everyone