To further improve government services to senior citizens with disabilities, a consortium partner Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Office of Protection & Advocacy for the Disabled (OPAD) and the Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA).

The MOU, reached last month between the directors of the two agencies, also bears the signature of Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and a representative for Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale.

The MOU—which is now in effect—will be monitored and re-evaluated every six months.

Both the OPAD and TAOA statutes require their systems to collaborate and coordinate services between the two agencies, and to provide information in improvement of services that reach people with disabilities and the elderly, thus enhancing the effectiveness of both the OPAD and TAOA systems, according to the MOU.

Under the MOU, the two agencies agreed to collaborate on a number of important issues. For example, they will cross train through conferences, seminars, or conference calls to increase the exposure and recognition between the two agencies; and focus attention on meeting the needs of senior citizens with disabilities.

Additionally, they will plan and develop new programs that educate the public; advocate with legislators; provide direct services that include the involvement of older adults and others representing the diversity of the community; promote a comprehensive long-term care system; and support intergenerational partnering, planning and policy development.

The MOU also calls for the two agencies to:

•            promote strategies that enable people to live in their communities;

•            provide leadership and support for senior citizens; and

•            be a source that supports senior citizens contributions, professional growth and work-life balance.

To ensure the greatest benefit for the consumer of long-term care services, the MOU recommends that OPAD and TAOA hold regular meetings to discuss the cases and issues each are handling and how the agencies can better collaborate to address these cases and issues.

According to the MOU, both OPAD and TAOA should continue to seek out opportunities “to work together on systemic issues through jointly participating in legislative coalitions, training conferences, testifying before legislatures, etc.”

In signing the MOU, the two agencies “affirm their commitment to carry out the activities and achieve the objectives mutually agreed upon.”

In its FY 2014 third quarter performance report, covering the period of Apr. 1 to June 30,  OPAD said the MOU with TAOA will allow the two agencies to “work closely in advocating for the rights of senior citizens”.

TAOA noted in its 3rd quarter performance report, a new program implemented this year — the Escort Service Program — is doing well. The program assists senior citizens 60 years or older to maintain mobility and independence.

“These folks with disabilities or inhibitions... make it difficult to utilize the bus service,” the report says, adding that this program is funded by the federal government and is free of charge to eligible participants.

Information about the Escort Service program can be reached by calling TAOA at 633-1251.