Henry Claypool

On April 15, the Department of Health and Human Services named Henry Claypool as director of the HHS Office on Disability.

In his new position, Claypool “will serve as the primary advisor to the HHS Secretary on disability policy and will oversee the implementation of all HHS programs and initiatives pertaining to Americans with disabilities.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve President Obama and the American people as we work together to make certain that Americans with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities,” he said in response to his new appointment. “My commitment to working on behalf of Americans with disabilities is a deeply personal one.”

Claypool has extensive experience as an advisor to federal, state, and local governments, including a stint as senior advisor for disability policy at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the Clinton administration. Most recently, he served as policy director for Independence Care System, a managed-care agency supporting people with disabilities in New York City.

Claypool offered PHI some more specific information about what he hopes to accomplish.  “I hope to increase coordination among and across agencies within the Department,” he said. “Because people with disabilities rely on vital services and supports offered by a number of programs at HHS, the need for vigilance is primary.”

He added, “The Department will also play a leading role in making sure the President’s commitment to move health reform forward this year stays on track. “

Last month, Claypool testified before the Senate Aging Committee concerning the reforms disability advocates have brought to long-term care policy and the applicability of these reforms for older Americans. Claypool is himself disabled from a spinal injury he sustained 25 years ago, and in his testimony he called on Congress to support a skilled, stable direct-care workforce that will enable elders and people with disabilities to live meaningful lives in the community.