ADvancing States is pleased to publish findings from the Aging and Disability 2023 Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) National Survey. ADvancing States’ National Information and Referral Support Center, in partnership with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), conducted this comprehensive survey to assess the landscape of I&R/A programs serving older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Findings from the survey highlight trends and developments in the provision of I&R/A services. Survey findings are being published in a series of issue briefs focusing on service delivery, quality assurance, technology, and partnerships reflecting the perspectives of I&R/A professionals and administrators in state agencies on aging and disability, Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, No Wrong Door systems, 211 services, and other non-profit human service organizations.    

The third issue brief in the series, Technology Supports Connection: Findings from the Information and Referral/Assistance National Survey, explores the use of technology in several key areas including service delivery modalities, telephony systems, the resource database, information systems/software, taxonomy, and social media. In I&R/A practice, technology supports connection, enabling individuals to engage with I&R/A specialists to receive the help and referrals that they need. Technology has long been an important underpinning of many I&R/A programs – helping to ensure that individuals have access to unbiased information according to their communication preferences. At the same time, the pace of technology developments varies across the I&R/A network. Access the issue brief to learn more about technology use and trends. 

Read the issue brief here.

Visit ADvancing States to access the first two issue briefs in the series, Service Delivery in the Aftermath of a Pandemic: Findings from the Information and Referral/Assistance National Survey, and Did You Receive the Help You Needed? Quality Assurance and Training Drive Practice: Findings from the National Survey of Aging and Disability I&R/A Agencies.