Resources
AARP
866-448-3620
AARP provides services to people age 50 and over, offering a wide range of unique benefits and services. Provides a national AARP Disaster Kit and locally promotes family and individual responsibility for initial self help.
Advocacy Center
1-800-960-7705
The Advocacy Center is Louisiana’s protection and advocacy system. Federal law requires that a protection and advocacy system operate in every state to protect the rights of persons with mental or physical disabilities. The Advocacy Center is also funded by the state to provide legal assistance to people residing in nursing homes in Louisiana, as well as to residents 60 years and older of Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Tammany Parishes; and to advocate for the rights of group home residents. Among the diverse services offered are legal representation, information and referral, outreach and training. This organization is a tax-exempt, private non-profit corporation organized in 1978 and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is based in New Orleans with branch offices in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Association
1- 800-891-3746
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. As the preeminent ALS organization, The Association leads the way in research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — giving help and hope to those facing the disease. The Association’s nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
American Association of People with Disabilities
1-800-840-8844
AAPD is a national nonprofit cross-disability member organization, dedicated to “ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment” for Americans with disabilities. AAPD works “in coalition with other disability organizations for the full implementation and enforcement of disability nondiscrimination laws.”
American Bar Association on Mental and Physical Disability Law- Commission on Disability Rights
The ABA has a deep and long-standing commitment to diversity and to promoting opportunities for persons with disabilities in the legal community. One of the ABA’s four fundamental goals is the elimination of bias and the enhancement of diversity in the profession. Part of that vision includes access and participation in all aspects of the legal system by persons with mental and physical disabilities. The ABA’s Commission on Disability Rights spearheads this effort.
American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (ACLU of Louisiana)
(504) 522-0617
ACLU of Louisiana believes that people accused of a crime should have access to the basic necessities: a clean living space; a competent lawyer; food; and medical care. ACLU of LA fights for these ideas in the courts on behalf of people who have been mistreated by the government. ACLU works to get stories of rights abuses into the press. ACLU of LA works in the community, organizing town meetings, educating people about their rights and advocating with politicians and policymakers. ACLU also works in the legislature, advocating for laws that will protect everyone and fighting measures that would limit our freedoms.
Arc of Louisiana
(225) 383-1033
The Arc of Louisiana is an advocacy organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc is people- people with developmental disabilities, parents, family members, and friends who work together. We are a grassroots organization with over 6,000 members affiliated through 21 local chapters across the state. A board of directors and a delegate body of representatives from each chapter guides the work of The Arc. The Arc staff work hard to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With guidance from our board of directors, The Arc of Louisiana works hand-in-hand with our many local chapters to fulfill The Arc’s mission throughout the state.
Autism Risk and Safety Management
(772) 398-9756
Autism training and resources for law enforcement, emergency first responders, parents, educators, care providers, and the autism community.
Autism Society of Louisiana
1-800-955-3760
Autism Society – Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. (LSAC) is a coalition of local chapters throughout our state providing a network of families and professionals who offer support and experience. Their mission is to provide information, advocacy and support for individuals with ASD and their families: To help families identify services in their communities: To assist families in securing benefits and services provided by law; and, to promote lifelong opportunities for persons with autism spectrum disorder in order to be fully included members of their communities.
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
(202) 467-5730
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is a national legal advocate for people with mental disabilities. Through precedent-setting litigation and in the public policy arena, the Bazelon Center works to advance and preserve the rights of people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.
Brain Injury Alliance of Louisiana
(985) 892-9900
Resources, links and support information. Brain Injury Alliance of Louisiana is also a resource guide to brain injury recovery issues and resources.
Department of Children and Family Services
1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578)
www.dcfs.la.gov
DCFS’s vision includes: working together to keep children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient and providing safe refuge during disasters.
Disability Resources, Inc.
www.disabilityresources.org/LOUISIANA
Disability Resources, inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently. Disability Resources, Inc. serves thousands of individuals with disabilities through a multidisciplinary network of service providers and consumers. In order to reach as many people with disabilities as cost effectively as possible, they target their services and publications to libraries, disability organizations, independent living centers, rehabilitation facilities, educational institutions, and health and social service providers.
Disability.gov
Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information on disability programs and services in communities nationwide. The site links to more than 14,000 resources from federal, state and local government agencies; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations. You can find answers to questions about everything from Social Security benefits to employment to affordable and accessible housing. New information is added daily across 10 main subject areas – Benefits, Civil Rights, Community Life, Education, Emergency Preparedness, Employment, Health, Housing, Technology and Transportation.
Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans
(504) 259-6201
DSAGNO is a 501c3 support, information and advocacy organization. Through their membership, they provide support to new parents, self-advocates, family and friends of individuals with Down syndrome. Through publications, web site, meetings and events, they provide the most current information to membership and others interested in Down syndrome topics. Through advocacy efforts, DSAGNO members work to elevate the community’s understanding of those issues so that children, youth and adults have the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential in all aspects of life.
Employment Development Services
1-800- 927-1610
www.edsla.com
Employment Development Services (EDS) is a non-profit agency that’s in the business of putting people to work through the State Use Program. EDSLA works across Louisiana with more than 90 Community Rehabilitation Programs that hire citizens with disabilities to produce quality products and provide top-notch services.
Epilepsy Foundation Louisiana
1-800-960-0587
Chartered in 1977 as the Epilepsy Council of Southeast Louisiana, the Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana was formed to provide services to individuals with epilepsy and their families. Since that time, the Foundation has been the only agency of its type in this region to exclusively provide outreach, education, and advocacy to individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Families Helping Families of Louisiana
1-800-922-3425
The purpose of the Louisiana Association of Families Helping Families is to provide a mechanism for its members to share management expertise, strategies and resources that enhance the capacity of regional Families Helping Families Centers to serve their constituents in an efficient and cost-effective manner, as well as to provide a protocol for both fiscal and programmatic accountability for each FHF Center with an established membership criteria.
Governor's Office of Disability Affairs
(225) 219-7550
The Office of Disability Affairs (GODA) was created and designed to address and resolve issues amongst the disability community. GODA strives to encourage and strengthen the coordination of goals and program services among various public and private delivery systems to persons with disabilities throughout the state.
Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs
877-340-9100
The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs (GOEA) was created in 1956 as the Commission on Aging by the Louisiana Legislature to act as the state’s visible advocate and focal point for all matters pertaining to the aging population. GOEA collects facts, statistics, and conducts special studies on conditions pertaining to the employment, health, financial status, recreation, social adjustment, or other conditions affecting the welfare of the aged. This information helps the agency to keep abreast of the latest developments in aging throughout the nation and interpret such findings to the public.
Health Law Advocates of Louisiana
(504) 267-9156
Health Law Advocates of Louisiana (HLA/LA) is the only nonprofit public interest law firm in Louisiana dedicated exclusively to health care access. Launched in February 2010, HLA/LA provides free legal representation and assistance to eligible Louisiana families. HLA/LA serves low and middle income residents from all parts of the State. Many of our clients are children, elderly, or those coping with disabilities. All face barriers to health care treatment that result in suffering and loss. We strive to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people who simply are unable to cut through legal, administrative or financial barriers to obtaining needed health care treatment.
Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana (JJPL)
(504) 522-5437
Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana’s mission is to transform the state’s juvenile justice system into one that builds on the strengths of young people, families, and communities to ensure children are given the greatest opportunities to grow and thrive.
LaCAN (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now)
(337) 367-7407
LaCAN is a statewide grassroots network of individuals and families who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a system that supports individuals to live in their own homes rather than having to move to a facility to receive needed services. Specifically, they have advocated for implementation of Louisiana’s Community and Family Support System Plan.
Law Firms
Disability in Louisiana
As you can probably imagine, each state considers disability and disability benefit payouts far differently from each other. In the case of disability in Louisiana, there is a unique method of applying for disability payments and benefits that will require you to make a tremendous effort to understand the exact nature of your disability and the nature of disability in Louisiana. By conducting the proper research and taking the time to study the situation, you can learn more about disability in Louisiana and enable yourself to see the maximum amount of benefits.
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV)
(225) 752-1296
The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) is a statewide network of domestic violence programs, supportive organizations, and individuals that share the goal of ending violence against women and children in Louisiana. LCADV empowers its members through advocacy, education, resource development, allocation of funds, and technical assistance.
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf
1-800-256-1523
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf provides accessibility services for persons whom are Deaf, deaf-blind, or have hearing loss or speech impairment to gain equal access to any public or private service.
Louisiana Department of Education- (LDOE)- Division of Special Populations
(225) 342-3513
www.louisianaschools.net/divisions/specialp
This is an exciting and challenging time for all of us working to ensure that students with disabilities achieve the knowledge and skills necessary to live independent and self-directed lives. Research has shown that the majority of students with disabilities have the ability to meet high standards when provided with specifically designed instruction and support. The Louisiana Department of Education’s mission is to ensure that every child in every school has access to instruction delivered by well-trained teachers who are accountable for the academic success of every child.
Louisiana Department of Education- (LDOE)- Legal Services Division
(225) 342-3572
www.doe.state.la.us/divisions/legal
Legal services division provides legal support and representation to the Department of Education and its employees in furtherance of the Department’s goals and to provide training and guidance to Louisiana local education agencies, parents, students, and stakeholders.
Louisiana Department of Education- (LDOE)-Division of Standard, Assessments and Accountability
(225) 342-3355
www.doe.state.la.us/offices/ssp/
The Standards, Assessments & Accountability Office is responsible for overseeing Louisiana’s accountability system, which includes the state’s High Stakes Testing Program (LEAP/GEE, iLEAP, and End-of-Course tests). The office also develops and oversees the statewide Curriculum Standards and Instructional Resources for educators and students.
Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council
1-800-450-8108
Louisiana DD Council envisions a system of services and supports in Louisiana which enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, productive and integrated and included in all facets of community life. The Council’s mission is to advocate for and support people with developmental disabilities to exercise control over their lives and participate fully in the community. Contact this advocacy organization for information and referral to available resources, supports and services for people with disabilities.
Louisiana Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (LAFFCMH)
(225) 293-3508
LAFFCMH is the state’s advocacy organization for families of children and youth with mental health needs. They represent children, youth, and families from diverse cultures and backgrounds. LAFFCMH is here to assist you in obtaining information and resources that will empower you to choose the best solutions for your child, yourself, and your family. Just as each child is unique and different the services each child with emotional, behavioral and mental disorders requires will be different and unique to that child and his/her family.
Louisiana Medicaid
1-888-342-6207
Medicaid provides medical benefits to low-income individuals and families. Although the federal government establishes the general rules for Medicaid, specific requirements are established by each state. In Louisiana, approximately 1.2 million residents receive health care coverage through Medicaid, most of whom are children under 19. The Louisiana Medicaid Program operates within the Department of Health and Hospitals.
Louisiana School for the Deaf
1-888-769-8111
Contact for services for children who have a hearing loss.
Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired
(225) 342-8694
Contact for information related to education and support services for children who are blind or visually impaired.
Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(225) 922-4512
The Mission of the Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (LSHA) is to:
- Serve individuals in the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.
- Advocate for services provided to individuals with speech, language and hearing needs.
- Establish and promote professional development and high ethical and professional standards.
- Provide programs and services that meet members’ needs.
Louisiana State Autism Society of America
1-800-955-3760
La State Autism Society of America provides information, advocacy and support for individuals with ASD and their families, helps families identify services in their communities, assists families in securing benefits and services provided by law and promotes lifelong opportunities for persons with autism spectrum disorder in order to be fully included members of their communities.
Louisiana State Bar Association
(504) 566-1600
The purpose of the Louisiana State Bar Association is to aid in the administration of justice as officers of the court, assist the Supreme Court in the regulation of the practice of law, uphold the honor of the courts and the profession, promote the professional competence of attorneys, increase public understanding of and respect for the law, and encourage collegiality among its members.
Here is a link to Lawyer Referral Information page from the Louisiana State Bar Association
http://www.lsba.org/MembershipDirectory/LawyerReferralInformation.asp?Menu=PR
Louisiana Workface Commission (LWC)
(225) 342-3111
www.laworks.net
The LWC is a provider of workforce solutions. It is an Office of Workforce Development Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. The Louisiana Workforce Commission will lead the development of the system that delivers the workforce Louisiana’s current and future employers need.
Louisiana’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities-(Human Development Center)
(504) 556-7573
www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu
The Human Development Center (HDC) was established in 1974 and became a University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) in 1984. HDC is a member of AUCD, a national network of 67 UCEDD programs. The Mission of the Human Development Center (HDC) is to provide leadership and innovation in interdisciplinary education, community service, research, and to disseminate information to strengthen and increase the capacity of local communities to support and include individuals with [developmental] disabilities and their families in all aspects of life in the community.
LSU Disability Services
(225) 578-5919
Disability Services (DS), in collaboration with other university departments, is committed to providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services for students with disabilities in an effort to ensure their full participation in all activities, programs, and services to the university. DS is dedicated to promoting the self-advocacy of students with disabilities and is committed to working with the LSU administration on the development and revisions of policies and procedures relevant to students with disabilities. DS also serves as a source of disability-related information for the university.
Mental Health America of Louisiana
1-800-241-6425
Mental Health America of Louisiana is the state affiliate of the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit addressing all aspects of mental health and well-being. Since 1949, Mental Health America of Louisiana has been dedicated to promoting mental health wellness, preventing mental and substance use conditions, and achieving victory over mental illnesses and addictions through advocacy, education, research and service. Mental Health America of Louisiana envisions a just, humane and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society
1-800-344-4867
Promotes research, educates, advocates for people with multiple sclerosis, and organizes a wide range of programs including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS over time.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
MDA provides services for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases through hospital-affiliated clinics; assists with the purchase/loan of prescribed medical equipment; offers support groups for individuals and their families and summer camps for children with muscular dystrophy.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
(225) 926-8770
NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illness.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities/LA
Contact for information related to disabilities infants, toddlers, children and youth; IDEA, which is the law authorizing special education; No Child Left Behind; and research-based information on effective educational practices.
National Rehabilitation Information Center- Serving the Nations Disability Community
1-800-346-2742
It is the mission of NIDRR to generate, disseminate and promote new knowledge to improve the options available to individuals with disabilities. The ultimate goal is to allow these individuals to perform their regular activities in the community and to bolster society’s ability to provide full opportunities and appropriate supports for its citizens with disabilities.
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
1-800-962-9629
NSCIA Provides resources, services, and peer support to people with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D).
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
1-866-783-5533
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) serves as the Single Point of Entry (SPOE) into the developmental disabilities services system and oversees public and private residential services and other services for people with developmental disabilities. The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities is committed to ensuring quality services and supports, information and opportunities for choice to people of Louisiana with developmental disabilities and their families.
OCDD conducts an assessment of people who request services to determine the person’s eligibility for system entry. Eligibility is based on the definition of developmental disability contained in Louisiana R.S. 28:451.1-455.2. The community services regional offices and human services authorities/districts serve as the points of entry for individuals to receive services from both the regional offices/human services authorities/districts and the supports and services centers.
Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS)
1-866-758-5035
www.dhh.louisiana.gov
The Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) was formed within the Department of Health and Hospitals as a health care reform initiative, bringing together all of the long-term care programs that serve senior citizens and people with adult-onset disabilities. The Office of Aging and Adult Services aims to develop, provide and enhance services that offer meaningful choices for people in need of long-term care. The office is committed to developing a long-term care system that provides choice, ensures quality, meets the needs of consumers and caregivers, and does so in a fiscally responsible manner.
Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) (Dept of Health and Hospitals)
(225) 342-2540
The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) ensures care and support to improve quality of life for people with mental illness and addictive disorders. The mission of the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) is to promote recovery and resiliency through services and supports in the community that are preventive, accessible, comprehensive and dynamic.
Office of Juvenile Justice
(225) 287-7900
www.ojj.la.gov
Under the direction of the Deputy Secretary, the Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) has policy oversight and support responsibilities for state programs for youth who are adjudicated delinquent, as well as any youth and their families ruled in need of services by courts of juvenile jurisdiction (FINS – Families in Need of Services). We are responsible for youth assigned to our care by the court system, either for supervision or custody in residential placement, or secure care. OJJ also provides services to youth under local court supervision. Our staff supports the Administrative Remedy Procedure disciplinary appeal process for juveniles and performs quality assurance activities for the juvenile facilities.
Office of Public Health
(225) 342-2540
www.dhh.louisiana.gov
The DHH Office of Public Health is comprised of 1,300 professionals across Louisiana who are charged with protecting and promoting the health of the communities of our state. Engineers, doctors, chemists, biologists, nurses, sanitarians, clinicians, emergency preparedness experts and a host of other professionals work constantly to:
- monitor the food Louisiana’s residents and visitors eat,
- keep our water safe to drink,
- fight chronic and communicable disease,
- ensure we are ready for hurricanes, disasters and other threats,
- ensure access to vital records like birth certificates, and
- offer preventive health services.
Project PROMPT
1-800-766-7736
Project PROMPT is the parent training and information center for the State of Louisiana. Project PROMPT’s staff and volunteers assist parents in securing a free, appropriate public education for their children with disabilities. Project PROMPT provides information and training to parents of children with disabilities, on the rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with disabilities education Act (IDEA), and related federal and state laws. Project PROMPT is a program of Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans and has been funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education, since 1986.
Resurrection After Exoneration (RAE)
(504) 943-1902
www.r-a-e.org
RAE will promote reform-minded leadership among those who have been imprisoned by assisting them during their transition process to ensure a successful reentry, and by empowering exonerees to confront and reform the system that victimized them.
Safe Streets/Stong Communities
(504) 522-3949
www.safestreetsnola.org
Safe Streets/Strong Communities is a community-based organization that campaigns for a new criminal justice system in New Orleans, one that creates safe streets and strong communities for everyone, regardless of race or economic status.
Southwest ADA Center Independent Living Research Utilization
1-800-949-4ADA
www.southwestada.org
The Southwest ADA Center is the Southwest’s leading resource on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability rights laws. The Center is part of the ADA National Network funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) of the Department of Education. The Southwest ADA Center serves a wide range of audiences who are interested in or impacted by these laws, including employers, businesses, government agencies, schools and people with disabilities. Expert staff members are available to provide training and publications and to respond to your inquiries via the toll free hotline.
Spina Bifida of Greater New Orleans
(504) 737-5181
The Spina Bifida of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (SBGNO) is a non-profit, tax exempt organization for the expressed purpose of providing services to those persons born with Spina Bifida and their families, and to increase public awareness about Spina Bifida and its prevention. This Organization consists of individuals with Spina Bifida, their families, and other interested persons united to enhance the quality of life for persons with Spina Bifida. The association’s mission is “to promote the prevention of Spina Bifida and to support the needs of individuals with Spina Bifida and related disorders”.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
(225) 923-3420
UCP identifies and provides treatment to children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and learning disabilities; works to enhance the quality of life for the families of these children.
United Way 211
(225) 924-1431
United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. We envision a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives.
US Department of Justice ADA Information
1-800-514-0301
The U.S. Department of Justice provides information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through a toll-free ADA Information Line. This service permits businesses, State and local governments, or others to call and ask questions about general or specific ADA requirements including questions about the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
(225) 359-9940 Ext. 222
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) is the forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle—preparation, response and recovery—to help disaster survivors and their communities. Members of National VOAD form a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission.