A Brief History of CACAD

The Capital Area Consortium on Aging and Disability was founded in 1991 as a joint effort of individuals in the academic, medical, and health care arenas who were independently researching and studying the needs of the aging population and persons with disabilities. These groups were soon joined by individuals from the State and Federal governments. Under the guidance of founding member Alexander "Sam" Aldrich, a consortium was designed where these disparate parties could be joined into a coordinated network. CACAD's first conference, in 1992, included representation from colleges and universities, the medical society, the Veterans' Administration, and health care facilities, thirteen organizations in all.

By 1993 a team of 20 leaders in multidisciplinary fields were operating this structure, and it was at this time that the term "disability" was added to the organization's name in recognition of the many similarities between the aging process and disabilities. Among the leaders at this time were David Hornick & David Howells, and Richard Mattox.

Since 1993 CACAD has strived to live up to the ideals set for it by its founders. Special housing facilities in the South Mall Towers that meet the needs of aging persons and people with disabilities are a direct product of CACAD’s multidisciplinary approach, as are many other projects.

Today, CACAD's new initiatives attempt o combine the knowledge of physicians, nurses, and health care organizations, with the capabilities of modern computers and world wide web technology, into an integrated system to assist people in identifying and meeting the needs of home bound persons so they can remain at home as long as possible. CACAD is also exploring mechanisms to expand Capital Region integrated housing, helps set policy positions regarding aging and disability, and work in other arenas.

CACAD has joint initiatives with the New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide), the Health Policy Consortium of the Capital Area, and area institutions of higher learning. CACAD has also recently convened seminars on consumer directed options, state legislation affecting prescription drug prices, and older driver’s issues. CACAD is also advocated for improved veteran health care (including holding a forum on the subject), and brought these concerns to the State legislature. CACAD is also engaged in advocacy on "most integrated settings," the state budget, and long term care insurance.

In addition to joint initiatives, CACAD and Statewide now share many activites, including the annual Honorary Benefit, and share the same Executive Director.

CACAD is a 501(c)3 corporation, incorporated in New York State.

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is a 501(c)3 organization
incorporated in the State of New York.