AN EVALUATION OF COALITION BUILDING TRAINING FOR AGING AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICE PROVIDERS

Older people with developmental disabilities are experiencing longer l ife expectancy rates than previously. Service issues now include bridg ing the disparate networks of aging and disability service systems to provide a more comprehensive array of options for this group of older adults. This article reports on an, evaluation of coalition building f orums around the state of Georgia, which brought together aging and di sability service providers. After attending these forums, service prov iders reported increased awareness of the needs of this older populati on, an appreciation of resources available, and increased networking w ith other service providers. More lasting coalition building activitie s, however were not reported. Although the coalition building forums s eemed to increase cooperation between personnel in different service s ystems, additional efforts are needed to sustain and expand these coll aborative ventures.