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Disability Rights Louisiana Seeks New Executive Director

HDC’s partner in advocacy, Disability Rights Louisiana (DRLA), is seeking its next Executive Director. The job search is being handled by NPAG. Job seekers were encouraged to apply by October 13, 2023, but not enough were received, and the search is ongoing.

Louisiana Gubernatorial Panel on Disability 2023

On September 19^th, the Arc of Louisiana hosted a gubernatorial panel for candidates to answer questions on disability focused topics so that the community can have a more informed understanding of the candidates’ stance and potential policy initiatives.

LEND Scholar and Self-Advocate Jakeel Abdullah broke down the panel’s questions. Hear what candidates Shawn Wilson (D), Stephen Waguespack (R), Hunter Lundy (I), Richard Nelson (R), John Schroder (R), and Sharon Hewitt (R) had to say.

The governor’s primary election is set for Saturday, October 14. Early voting is available now until Saturday, October 7th.

August Newsletter: Have you heard about the April Dunn Act pathway?

Read HDC’s August newsletter by clicking the image below!

Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans offering Lunch and Learn Series: Introduction to Work for Young Adults and Their Families

Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is offering free educational webinars for youth, parents & professionals scheduled for all Thursdays in September at 12:00-1:00 PM.

The Schedule is as follows: 

HDC can make the April Dunn Act pathway possible for your school!

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) offers a new alternative path to graduation for students with disabilities!

Ticket to Work Program Information Session

Are you interested in learning about how work will affect your Social Security benefits?

• What is the Ticket to Work Program, and how can I participate?
• Can I receive Social Security disability benefits while I’m working?
• What is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and does it apply to me?

This month’s Ticket to Work WISE webinar answers the top 5 questions about working while you’re receiving disability benefits on August 23 at 3 p.m. ET.

Register for WISE Webinar

Protected: Louisiana FASD Summit 2023 Recordings

New courses from HDC faculty available across LSUHSC schools

HDC faculty members Rose Angelocci, Ph.D., CRC, CWIC and Nicky Gillies, MSNIC formed brand-new courses available to all LSUHSC students in the fall 2023 semester.

Louisiana LEND scholar Tiffany Richard on Autism Acceptance for the Organization for Autism Research

Autism Acceptance month is over… now what? Self-advocate and 2022-23 LEND scholar Tiffany Richard shares why autism acceptance is important after April in an article for Organization for Autism Research. As Tiffany puts it, “Autistic people don’t magically turn into pumpkins and disappear when the month is over.”

Her tips include:

• Learn About Autism from other Autistic Perspectives
• Treat Us Like Equals
• Create Sensory Friendly Spaces

Louisiana LEND scholar Maddie Mayes featured in the Act Early Network News

Check out LEND scholar Maddie Mayes featured in the Act Early Network News’ Spring 2023 Issue! The feature, titled “Louisiana LEND Scholar Studies Family Perspectives on Developmental Monitoring,” explains Maddie’s leadership project, which sought to explore the knowledge and perspectives of parents and other caregivers regarding healthy development and developmental monitoring (DM).