San Bernardino County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian (DAAS-PG) hosted more than 300 county and community professionals on May 22 at the Adult Protective Services (APS) Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Conference to address the issues and challenges older adults and individuals with disabilities face in disparities of services provided.

The 36th annual conference theme, Aging Equitably by Bridging the Gap, was an opportunity for agencies and community partners to enhance the delivery of comprehensive and individualized plans that ensure equitable services, overcoming biases and gaps in programs, cultural equity and practices that ensure all people, including those who have been historically underrepresented, are given equal opportunity for services, and more.

The conference began with remarks from San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke. “As we come together, learn new ways to serve our public, learn new ways to invest the precious time that we have, so that as we age, as that time passes, and our time comes to need the same service that so many of you are providing today, that the legacy continues.”   
 
County Deputy Executive Officer Gilbert Ramos emphasized the ability for professionals to help bridge the gap in services that allow older adults to live like every other person in their own home.
 
Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.’s office presented Assistant Director Glenda Jackson and Deputy Director Roxanne Young with a certificate of recognition in appreciation of the valuable contributions DAAS-PG offers to the county’s growing aging population.  
 
This year’s keynote speaker, former Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown, addressed the California Commission on Aging’s priorities for access to housing and employment that would enable older adults and individuals with disabilities to reside securely, independently and comfortably within their own home and community irrespective of ableism, ageism and racism.
 
For more information about DAAS-PG’s programs and services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caretakers, please visit https://hss.sbcounty.gov/daas.

Additional County Update News – May 30, 2024