Laura Stazio

A Tribute to Amanda Clark (1984-2024)

Amanda Clark (1984-2024)

It is with profound sorrow that we report the loss of our beloved colleague and dear friend, Amanda Clark, following complications from heart surgery.  She is survived by her beloved husband, Ryan, and their two sons, Emmett and Sawyer. 

Amanda joined HDC’s LASARD team in August of 2022 to support school parishes across Central and Southwest Louisiana in inclusive education. She holds dual certification in Elementary and Special Education (Mild/Moderate) and is a Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician. Amanda’s previous roles as a music teacher, a special education teacher, and an Educational Diagnostician with the Pupil Appraisal team underscored here commitment to individualized and appropriate inclusive practices, building relationships, co-teaching and collaboration, and working to foster independence. Additionally, Amanda was actively pursuing a doctoral degree with a concentration on Exceptional Learners. Her absence will be keenly felt by all.

Here are some tributes from her HDC family:

“Amanda brought exuberance and passion into our LASARD workgroup. She connected quickly as a team member, seamlessly assuming the roles of “coach” and “presenter”(sure to always grab audience attention creatively). Problem solving was another attribute that Amanda had in spades, at home and in her work life…she didn’t let the rough spots get her down. It is rare to work on a team where the bond and commitment across members is highly valued. The loss of Amanda will ripple through each of us in the days to come because she made the effort to connect and bring 100% to the table.”

“Amanda was one of the most passionate advocates for students that I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.”

“She was vibrant and always present as a coworker and friend.”

Further details can be found at: https://www.mourning.com/obituaries/Amanda-Clark-3/#!/TributeWall

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Maddie’s footprint (https://maddiesfootprints.org/).

During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Ryan and the rest of Amanda’s family in your hearts and thoughts.

All about ABLE accounts

An ABLE account is a tax-free savings account that lets people with disabilities manage their money without impacting Medicaid and Social Security Income (SSI). April is National Financial Capability Month! You can follow this link to find out more about ABLE accounts from the ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC). ABLE NCR’s latest AchievABLE newsletter lists upcoming webinars and resources including an overview of all U.S. ABLE programs sorted by state here: https://www.businessinsider.com/…/able-accounts-by-state.

Remembering Disability Advocate Lois Curtis, the “L.C.” in the Olmstead Decision

HDC joins the disability community across the United States in mourning the loss of Lois Curtis. Lois Curtis is remembered as the “L.C.” in Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court decision that protects the right of people with disabilities to live in their own homes and receive services in their own communities. Read the Administration for Community Living’s statement on the passing of Lois Curtis here.

disABILITY Inclusion Job Fair October 12

Come meet dozens of employers ready to hire at the virtual disABILITY Inclusion Job Fair on Wednesday, October 12th 9 AM – 12 PM, hosted by the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Healthy Blue. Job Seekers can scan the QR Code below or click here to register.

Employers for disABILITY Inclusion Job Fair

Looking to hire? Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) is recruiting employers for a virtual disABILITY Inclusion Job Fair on Wednesday, October 12th 9 AM – 12 PM. The Job Fair will be hosted by the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Healthy Blue. Interested employers please contact Brenda Bohrer at email bbohrer@lwc.la.gov or phone (225) 219-2982. Registration for job seekers will be announced shortly.

Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities with Blending, Braiding and Sequencing

A federal joint communication “Resource Leveraging & Service Coordination to Increase Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities” was issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy along with seven other federal agencies. This communication encourages state and local partners to proactively implement resource blending, braiding and sequencing across systems to improve Competitive Integrated Employment outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities.

• Read the joint communication
• Read the FAQs document

Reporting Life Changes to Social Security

Social Security’s latest blog post discusses the why and how to report life changes when you receive benefits:

Why It’s Important to Report Life Changes to UsSocial Security Matters (ssa.gov)

In Memory of Mark Martin

HDC is sad to share the news that Mark Steven Martin passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Mark devoted his entire career to serving individuals with disabilities.  He was committed to helping people with disabilities gain education, employment and the tools needed to reach their goals. For the final several years of his career, Mark served as Director of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. The original notice can be found here.

The PAY Check Program: A Pathway of Quality Services

The Human Development Center’s Post-Secondary Apprenticeship for Youth (PAY Check) provides transition services for young adults with disabilities by providing comprehensive pathways to quality employment.

Making Mardi Gras More Accessible at Krewe of King Arthur

Being a member of the Krewe of King Arthur enables you to ride in one of the largest and most diverse Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. Since its beginning, the Krewe of King Arthur has been known for welcoming people of all backgrounds and ethnicities, including people with disabilities.

For people with disabilities, riding in a parade may not seem like an obvious way to participate in Mardi Gras as the crowds may be intimidating. However, Dr. Rose Angelocci, a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) at HDC, may change your mind. Dr. Angelocci, who is blind, has been riding in the Krewe of King Arthur since 2015 with her entire family. She was introduced to the Krewe by her friend Mary Leblanc, a long-time member and former Queen, who is visually impaired. Dr. Angelocci wants to spread the word to people with disabilities that riding in a parade can be considered a wonderful way to enjoy Mardi Gras. She points out that there are many other Mardi Gras Krewes that have riders with disabilities and the Krewe of King Arthur is just one example.