MONTEREY COUNTY — A comprehensive plan to improve quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities was presented to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on June 17.
The Local Aging and Disability Action Plan (LADAP) outlines a community-driven roadmap for inclusive and equitable services across housing, health care, transportation, social connection and civic participation.
The LADAP was developed through a 21-month process led by the Alliance on Aging (AOA) in collaboration with the Monterey County Area Agency on Aging, the Central Coast Center for Independent Living and partners from multiple sectors that impact the lives of older adults. It was funded by a grant from the California Department of Aging and the Monterey Community Foundation.
“This plan reflects the voices of our most impacted community members that I meet with every day,” said Reyna Gross, AOA outreach manager. “It provides a blueprint to help our cities and rural areas become places where residents of all ages and abilities can thrive.”
The plan aligns with California’s Master Plan for Aging and the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. It was shaped by surveys in English and Spanish, Solutions Summits, provider input and an extensive advisory council of residents, civic leaders and service organizations.
Key goals include:
- Improving access to housing and transportation for rural and low-income seniors and people with disabilities;
- Enhancing communication and emergency preparedness for vulnerable populations;
- Strengthening health care coordination with community support services; and
- Expanding civic engagement, employment and social participation opportunities.
Priority actions are organized by community domains, such as healthcare, housing, employment and disaster preparedness. Specific steps, timelines and evaluation strategies are detailed within the full report.
“This isn’t just a document — it’s a call to action,” said Teresa Sullivan, LADAP project facilitator. “We invite residents, service providers and local leaders to take part in implementing this plan and shaping a more age- and disability-friendly future.”
The full LADAP report is available at California’s Master Plan for Aging.
