www.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.

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.

(985) 892-9900

www.biala.org

Resources, links and support information.  Brain Injury Alliance of Louisiana is also a resource guide to brain injury recovery issues and resources.

(202) 467-5730

www.bazelon.org

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.

1-800-955-3760

www.lastateautism.org

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

www.thearcla.org

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

www.alsalouisiana.org

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

www.laaclu.org

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.

www.americanbar.org

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

www.aapd.com

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.”