One way that CICOA fulfills its mission in Central Indiana is to develop an area plan based upon a needs assessment of older adults and people with disabilities in our community. The Area Plan serves as a roadmap for community investments, helps establish service priorities, and increases coordination and collaboration with other organizations.

On April 2, 2010, CICOA hosted a community needs assessment and a public hearing to update the area plan. The resulting plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on April 27.

The Area Plan pays particular attention to individuals with severe disabilities and those at risk for institutional placement. It also seeks to address the needs of rural residents, low-income seniors, and members of minority groups. These are populations at greater risk of isolation and often are the least likely to be aware of services available to them.

Priority needs in this year’s plan are:

• Transportation
• Access to home care services
• Nutrition – access to fresh, high quality food
• Affordable housing
• Translation services for persons with limited English proficiency

In the current economic environment, increased demand for services and limited resources cause all of us to do “more with less.” These priority needs will help guide our Board, Advisory Council and staff as we evaluate and fund programs and as we work with other interested community stakeholders on ways to help make Central Indiana a great community in which to live at any age.