(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.
(225) 214-5558
The Baton Rouge Bar Foundation Pro Bono Project is dedicated to improving equal access to justice for all and has been making a meaningful change in people’s lives since 1986. BRBA Pro Bono Project volunteers provide critical civil legal services for poor people in our community struggling with some of life’s most difficult problems: family disintegration, loss of housing, bankruptcy, loss of income through disability and domestic violence.
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.
(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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.”
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.
(337) 237-4320
Acadiana Legal Service Corporation is a private, non-profit law firm. It provides free legal assistance in civil cases to those who could not otherwise afford it. They are funded solely by grants and donations. This program is financially assisted by the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts Programs of the Louisiana Bar Foundation.