Shannon D’Aquila

Shannon D’Aquila serves as the Chairperson to the committee. She is a retired school teacher and is the mother of two young ladies. Her youngest daughter, Kathleen, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. Since that time, she has advocated for both her daughter and other children with special needs, particularly Autism, with the school system, legislation, insurance companies, Jefferson Parish Human Services Authorities, medical professionals, and therapy providers. She assists other parents in navigating the waiver system and encouraging them to see the benefits of self direction. She has been a family participant in HDC’s LASARD project and a LEND family mentor for several years. Second only to having all of her daughter’s needs met, she is most passionate about families of children with disabilities both being empowered to advocate for themselves and their loved ones and having knowledge on how to receive appropriate services.