Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
I'm Jim Rothrock, Commissioner of the newly created Department for Aging and Rehabilitative
Services.
Our Commonwealth now benefits from this new agency – DARS, which is composed of the
former Department for the Aging, and the Department of Rehabilitative Services.
In 2013, we plan to add Adult Services Units from our State Department of Social Services.
This new agency has been designed with the intention of continuing the exceptional work
done by the staff at these agencies, yet now focusing on improving the response to seniors,
and Virginians with disabilities who need some aid in maintaining their options for
independence, safety, and employment.
At the state level, this new agency will work with its community partners to be more effective
in strategic planning, budgeting, program monitoring and evaluation, training, and technical
support.
Your new agency will be at the center of the Commonwealth’s response to two critical
emerging issues:
First, Many Virginians who are often referred to as “boomers” or “seniors” are in,
or are approaching, their retirement years. They rightly expect to be secure in their
efforts to age in place and to have safe options for their long-term care needs. DARS will
be there for them.
Secondly, Virginia is also committed to having livable communities for those Virginians with
disabilities who are transitioning from institutions to community settings or those who wish to
live and work with long-term supports and services.
Your new agency, DARS, will work with these individuals and their families to realize
this vision of increased options for adults and a true Commonwealth of Opportunity for
all.
For more information please check out our website at www.vadars.org, and we all at DARS
look forward to working with you. Thank You!