Our Work

Reports, Publications, & Presentations

Explore the latest CADER evaluation reports, publications, and presentations based on outcomes from our workforce training initiatives, policy briefs, and publications — all focused on supporting organizations, practitioners, researchers, policy leaders in providing integrated, interdisciplinary, and person-centered care to older adults and people with disabilities.

Reports & Publications

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Evaluation Report

YMCA Chicago Cohort 2: Foundations in Aging & Disabilities (2025)

A second cohort of YMCA Chicago staff has completed the three-course Foundations in Aging & Disabilities Certificate, developed by the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER). Participants demonstrated measurable improvement: mean competency ratings increased for every assessed competency, with percent gains ranging from 6% to 200% and notably large improvements across multiple areas.

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Conference Presentation

Strengthening the Aging Workforce: Building Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative, Skill-Based Training (GSA 2025)

In this symposium, Dr. Bronwyn Keefe discussed how CADER partners with state and community-based agencies that provide health and social services to older adults. The presentation highlighted the impact of innovative and evidence-informed workforce development initiatives, as well as the ways in which partnerships between universities and community organizations can transform the aging workforce.

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Evaluation Report

NY Connects Training Program (2025)

In partnership with New York Connects and the New York State Office for the Aging, CADER delivered two online certificate programs to Information and Assistance specialists and Options Counselors statewide. This evaluation highlights strong completion rates, learner demographics, competency gains, and participant feedback, with 81 of 89 learners successfully completing the program.

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Evaluation Report

New York State Case Management Certificate Initiative (2025)

CADER, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), and Aging NY partnered for the ninth year to train case managers across New York State. During the 2024–2025 cohort, 66 learners successfully completed CADER’s Case Management Certificate Program. Learners reported high satisfaction with the training and consistently highlighted the relevance and applicability of the content to their daily work. Competency outcomes demonstrated meaningful skill development across courses, and participants completed the program with increased awareness of resources available to older adults and people with disabilities.

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Evaluation Report

YMCA Chicago Cohort 1: Foundations in Aging & Disabilities (2025)

YMCA Chicago learners completed the Foundations in Aging & Disabilities Certificate, a three-course certificate program developed by the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER). Learners were predominantly directors and assistant directors, and program managers and coordinators. Mean course competency ratings significantly increased (p<.001) for all course competencies with percent increases ranging from 53% to 291%, demonstrating very large increases in knowledge and skills pertaining to working with older adults and people living with disabilities. Feedback revealed that after completing the program, learners intended to provide more person-centered care, add programming specifically geared towards older adults, and ensure that resources are readily available.

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Evaluation Report

E4 Center for Excellence Substance Use and Aging for Faith Leaders Training Initiative (2025)

The Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER) and the E4 Center for Excellence partnered to offer CADER’s Substance Use and Aging for Faith Leaders course to 32 faith leaders in the Chicago area, with the goal of training faith leaders to identify and respond to substance use concerns in older adults. For all six course competencies, self-reported skill level significantly increased (p<.05) from the pre-course competency self-assessment to the post-course competency self-assessment, with percent increases ranging from 43% to 100%. Learners demonstrated a statistically significant increase (p<.05) in confidence assisting older adults with substance use concerns. Learners stated that the course provided valuable information and that they will be more involved in identifying and addressing substance use concerns in their faith community.

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Evaluation Report

Massachusetts AGE Certificate Training Initiative (2025)

This evaluation report presents findings from a training initiative completed in partnership with the Massachusetts AGE. For the training initiative, 112 leaners completed the Behavioral Health in Aging certificate program, and 144 learners completed the Person-Centered Case Management certificate program. Learners gained key skills that they will apply in their job roles. The training helped learners feel more confident in their ability to provide better informed and culturally competent care.

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Evaluation Report

Vermont Learning Enhancement in Aging Program (LEAP): Summary Report

This summary report highlights our partnership with the University of Vermont to develop and implement the Vermont Learning Enhancement in Aging Program (LEAP). The goal of the program was to increase the age-friendly workforce of health and social service professionals that serve older adults in the rural communities of Vermont. Learners gained skills and confidence through the program and reported that the training will improve their work with older Vermonters.

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Evaluation Report

Vermont Learning Enhancement in Aging Program (LEAP): Full Evaluation Report (2025)

CADER partnered with the University of Vermont to develop and implement the Vermont Learning Enhancement in Aging Program (LEAP). The goal of the program was to increase the age-friendly workforce of health and social service professionals that serve older adults in the rural communities of Vermont. Learners gained skills and confidence through the program and reported that the training will improve their work with older Vermonters.

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