Expertise 

• Elder Justice & Abuse in Later Life
• Aging, Disability, Ageism & Ableism
• Social & Structural Drivers of Health
• Narrative Gerontology & Lived Experience
• Human Rights & Social Justice

Bio

Aisling Clardy is a project manager at the Virginia Center on Aging and VCU Department of Gerontology, where her work focuses on aging, disability, elder justice, housing insecurity, and workforce development. She leads and contributes to applied research, training, and community-based initiatives that bring together aging, housing, health, disability, and social service partners to improve how systems respond to the needs and priorities of older adults.

Aisling is pursuing a Master’s in Gerontology and holds a Master’s in Disability Studies. Her current research and practice interests include homelessness and housing security in later life, age- and disability-responsive services, person-centered and trauma-informed practice, and the social and structural conditions that shape opportunities to age well. Her work is grounded in a social justice and strengths-based perspective, with an emphasis on dignity, autonomy, inclusion, and the meaningful involvement of older adults in the programs and systems that affect their lives.

Originally from Ireland, Aisling previously spent eight years working in international disability inclusion and human rights, contributing to European and international initiatives focused on health, inclusion, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Across her work, she is particularly interested in translating research and lived experience into practical approaches that strengthen communities, services, and systems.