HDC News https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news News from LSUHSC Human Development Center Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:58:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 A Tribute to Amanda Clark (1984-2024) https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/a-tribute-to-amanda-clark/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:52:59 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6800 Amanda Clark headshot

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.

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A Convening by Families Helping Families NOLA https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/a-convening-by-families-helping-families-nola/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:19:56 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6794 Sponsored by IBM

Positioning Ourselves for a Neurodivergent Workforce

Greater New Orleans Foundation, 919 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

Join us for an enriching and unique discussion on fostering a neurodiverse workforce with experts in the field!

Attendees will receive valuable insights from industry leaders including IBM, Microsoft, DXC Technology, and others who will share their expertise and practical strategies for integrating neurodiversity into the workplace.

Discover innovative and actionable strategies to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within your company.

Embrace the power of diverse perspectives and unlock the full potential of your team.

Registration is free and available through Eventbrite: Register

Information about program and panelist

Schedule

TimeSession
Registration and continental breakfast
9:00 AM

Panel 1: Building Supportive Environment

  • Moderated by Dr. Cathy Lazarus, Associate Dean For Student Affairs and Records. LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
  • Khai Harley, New Orleans Saints, Autism Advocate
  • Aisha Johnson, Executive Director, Families Helping Families NOLA
  • Emma McClean, Accessibility Apprenticeship Program Manager, Apprenti
  • Sophia Scott, Executive Director, Opportunities Academy

Panel 2: The Power of Neurodiversity

  • Moderated by Sue Killam, LSU Human Development Center
  • Charlotte Dales, Co-Fouider, Inclusively
  • Natalia Lyckowski, IBM’s Global Neurodiversity Advancement Leader
  • Christina Mallon, Head of Inclusive Product at Microsoft
  • Peter Pappas, Program Management Office, DXC Technology

Let’s create a more inclusive future together!

Tickets are free and available through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/positioning-ourselves-for-a-neurodivergent-workforce-tickets-767731033187

Information about program and panelist https://fhfnola.org/convening/

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The FASD Respect Act Passes the Senate HELP Committee https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/the-fasd-respect-act-passes-the-senate-help-committee/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:31:50 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6763 The fight to address the importance of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) achieved a huge milestone on December 12, 2023, as it passed the Senate HELP Committee. The bill represents a major step in positively affecting the lives of individuals with FASD and their families. FASD United, the national organization sponsoring FASD education, reports that an estimated 1 in 20 children in the United States are affected by FASD, but the majority of cases are undiagnosed.

Read the full press release from FASD United here.

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Shaping the Future: LEND Scholar’s AUCD 2023 Experience https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/shaping-the-future-lend-scholars-aucd-2023-experience/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:11:44 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6733 Each fall, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) gathers their network members for a conference in Washington, D.C. Their shared goal is to advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities.

The Human Development Center is proud to participate in the conference by sending our Louisiana LEND and Interprofessional Preparation Program scholars as well as various HDC staff and faculty to connect, share, and grow with our national disability community. The 2023 AUCD theme was “Emerging Leaders: Shaping the Future.

We asked LEND scholar and self-advocate Jakeel Abdullah to share his AUCD experiences with us.

Jakeel wearing conference name-badge, a black blouse, and black floor-length skirt stands next to the AUCD 2023 Conference sign.

Overall, how was your AUCD experience?

My overall experience for AUCD was that of amazement. The ambiance and sense of camaraderie really made me feel at home with like-minded self-advocates and professionals. Attending AUCD is an experience that truly helped me refocus my self-advocacy journey, while building memories and connections with people across the country that empower the disability community.

What topics did you find interesting at the conference?

Many of the topics at AUCD were interesting, but a few impacted me the most. Firstly, “Mirror Me – Gamified VR for Building SEL Skills via Mirroring and Attunement” by Krestin Radonovich, PhD and Michael Stauffer interested me because their presentation and demonstration showcased exactly the type of work I have a passion for, which is blending virtual realities to assist those with disabilities. Finally meeting someone who is doing exactly what I want to do was a memorable experience.  

Jakeel wears VR headset smiling while holding the VR handsets up to his chest.

My next favorite was “The Arkansas Autism Partnership Statewide Early intervention Services for Children with Autism Access to Services Impact of Intervention Growth of the Workforce” by Renee Holmes, RN. As someone who lived in Arkansas for a number of years, it was a nostalgic feeling meeting someone who knew the schools I went to and the neighborhoods I grew up in. Seeing the work that professionals are doing in Arkansas’ disability community was a good experience and really made my day.

Jakeels stands next to Renee Holmes as they smile in front of her research poster.

What was your experience connecting with other professionals and advocates at AUCD?

I originally thought it would be difficult to connect and often felt timid to approach people. However, these individuals truly made my AUCD experience memorable. Of the many connections I made, here were the most impactful:

  • It was a pleasure speaking with Anna Heinzerling (pictured below) with the University of Minnesota who is also a LEND fellow and a Licensed independent Clinical Social Worker.
  • I was fortunate to meet International Orator Kiran Singh Sirah (pictured below), past president of the International Storytelling Center (ISC), producer of the National Storytelling festival, an advisory member at UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) Scotland.
  • I met Drake Bauer with the University of Minnesota, a professional who happens to be a Community Abstractor for the Minnesota-Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (MN-ADDM) project at the Institute of Community Integration (ICI).
  • I spoke with Jeanette Córdova who is in leadership at AUCD. She is also on the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.
  • Lastly, I enjoyed connecting with Michael Thornton of the University of Arkansas who is a professional and a self advocate like myself. Michael is also a faculty advisory for the Arkansas LEND program. 

I remain in contact with many of those I met at the conference. I continue to feel the solidarity and camaraderie we shared at AUCD, and I’m all the better for it. Despite what I originally thought, connecting with others at the AUCD conference is an easy experience. There is someone every step of the way who will not only interact with you but truly connect with you on both a professional and personal level.

What was your big takeaway from the conference?

My biggest take away was that a network for emerging leaders exists. Through the AUCD network, I can make connections that better not only myself, but my community as well.

What is one thing you aim to bring to your own advocacy in Louisiana?

I aim to bring the awareness and knowledge of the various topics I encountered back to Louisiana. Ultimately, I aim to create a dialogue that bridges Louisiana to other states and creates forward momentum in our mindsets at home.


About Louisiana LEND

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Programs are interdisciplinary leadership training programs federally funded through HRSA’s Maternal Child Health Bureau. There are 60 LEND programs with at least one in every state. The Human Development Center hosts Louisiana’s LEND program.

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Disability Rights Louisiana Seeks New Executive Director https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/disability-rights-louisiana-seeks-new-executive-director/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:20:25 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6730 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.

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CVI Workshop This Spring https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/cvi-workshop-this-spring/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:01:44 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6725 Join us for a free workshop focused on Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment:Impact and Compensatory Strategies For professionals working with young children

The Louisiana DeafBlind Project is hosting a workshop, Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI): Impact and Compensatory Strategies. If you are an EarlySteps provider or a teacher or administrator working with young children with disabilities, we hope you’ll join us at one of our four locations!

Dates and Locations

UPDATE: Registration has closed for the Lafayette and New Orleans workshops.

DateTimeCityAddress
Saturday, March 28:00 AM-4:00 PMLafayette
(Registration closed)
Affiliated Blind of Louisiana
409 W Saint Mary Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70506
Saturday, March 98:00 AM-4:00 PMNew Orleans (Registration closed)LSU Health’s Human Development Center
411 S. Prieur St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
Friday, March 158:00 AM-4:00 PMRuston
(Workshop full)
Louisiana Center for the Blind
101 S. Trenton St.
Ruston, LA 71270
Friday, April 58:00 AM-4:00 PMAlexandria
(Workshop full)
Kees Park Community Center
2450 Hwy. 28 East
Pineville, LA 71360

Cost

Free! Lunch provided. Limited stipends available to Early Steps providers.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to:

  1. Describe typical visual development.
  2. Summarize how visual impairment impacts typical developmental outcomes.
  3. Contrast visual acuity and functional vision.
  4. Explain the differences between ocular and neurological vision impairments.
  5. Define Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI).
  6. Apply the characteristics of CVI to their caseload to identify children who may have unidentified visual impairments.
  7. Predict the impact complexity will have on therapy outcomes.
  8. Identify the purpose of active learning strategies.
  9. Discuss the reasons that a multisensory approach to strategies and interventions is critical to successful outcomes for children with visual impairments.
  10. Apply evidence-based strategies to their therapy routines.

Presenters

Qualified Instructional Personnel and Financial Disclosures

Lead presenter: Cindy Champagne, MA

Teacher of Blind Students, Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsee, Nationally certified in Unified English Braille, Owner of High Expectations VI Services, LLC

Cindy Champagne is the owner of High Expectations VI Service, LLC. She provides assessment, teaching, and consulting services to school districts throughout Louisiana, and she is also an early steps provider.

Cindy Champagne, MA has no non-financial disclosures.

Breakout group facilitator: Blanche Faulk, MA

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Ancillary Certification holder in Orientation and Mobility

Blanche Faulk is the Orientation & Mobility and Outreach Coordinator for the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and receives a salary. She is also the founder of non-profit Blind Grace, where she works on a volunteer basis.

Blanche Faulk, MA has no non-financial disclosures.

Breakout group facilitator: Marissa Ramos, MA, CCC-SLP

Doctoral Student at Lamar University

Marissa Ramos, CCC-SLP is the owner of Rise & Sign Therapies, LLC. She provides contracted speech therapy services through Early Steps. Additionally, she does social media content creation for supplemental income. 

Marissa Ramos, MA, CCC-SLP has no non-financial disclosures.

Workshop organizer: Nicky Gillies, MS, NIC

Louisiana DeafBlind Project Director

Nicky Gillies is the Project Director for the Louisiana DeafBlind Project at LSUHSC’s Human Development Center and receives a salary. The Louisiana DeafBlind Project is funded by a grant from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

Nicky Gillies, MS, NIC has no non-financial disclosures.

Agenda:

8:00 – 8:30Typical Visual Development
8:30 – 9:00Visual Acuity vs. Functional Vision vs. Cognitive Impairments
9:00 – 9:30 Signs of Functional Vision Impairment
9:30 – 10:15 Ocular Impairments
10:15 – 10:20 Break
10:20 – 11:30 CVI and At-Risk Populations
11:30 – 12:30Lunch Break
12:30 – 1:30 CVI – What’s the Complexity
1:30 – 2:30 Targeted Accommodations to Reduce Complexity
2:30 – 2:35 Break
2:30 – 4:00Application of strategies to therapy routines

Continuing education credits

ASHA CA Approved Provider | Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association Intermediate Level 0.65 ASHA CEUs

CEs for OTs, PTs, social workers, and ACVREP holders have been approved.

Contact

Please email Nicky Gillies at ngilli@lsuhsc.edu with any questions, and we hope to see you there! Register early because space is limited.

Accommodations: To request accommodations or to address any questions or concerns about the workshop, please contact Nicky Gillies at ngilli@lsuhsc.edu.

Complaints: If you have complaints or concerns regarding this course or registration please contact Nicky Gillies at ngilli@lsuhsc.edu.

Privacy Policy

Click here to view our privacy and security policy regarding participant’s records.

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Lynn Lallier, Team Member of the Month! https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/lynn-lallier-team-member-of-the-month/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:49:03 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6699

Lynn Lallier was named the Human Development Center’s (HDC) first “Employee of the Month” this past September! Nominated by Director Dr. Phil Wilson, Lynn has worked with LSUHSC for more than 20 years and with HDC for 8 years. HDC’s Business Manager Mitze Jones describes Lynn as, “Simply, an amazing worker all around. She never hesitates to go the extra mile and is always willing to help. Since we have been short staffed in the Business Office, she continues to remain positive and steady towards our goals.”

We interviewed Lynn to learn more about her job.  

What’s your role at HDC?

I’m the Associate Business Manager here at the Human Development Center. I assist our Business Manager Mitze Jones with a lot of paperwork, especially for the Early head Start grant. I create financial reports, projections, and invoice documentation.

How long have you been in this role?

It’s been 8 years now.

What is your favorite part of the role?

The Human Development Center’s programs work to improve outcomes for people with developmental disabilities and help the community.  I think it’s important work. Even though my role is mostly paperwork, I know that it supports these programs.

It is wonderful to see different programs work together.  Each person brings different skills and experiences, and everyone pitches in.

What does “Building Capacity. Inspiring Change.” Mean to you?

I think it’s about bringing groups together to collaborate and to expand services.  It is also about working with stakeholders to improve access to resources and educational opportunities. 

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Louisiana Gubernatorial Panel on Disability 2023 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/louisiana-gubernatorial-panel-on-disability-2023/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:49:33 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6691 On September 19th, 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.

1. Improving the lives of people with disabilities

Jakeel Abdullah, a member of the disability community, asked, “Do you have a proven record of improving or a plan to improve the lives of people with disabilities? If yes, please describe.”

2. On educational opportunities for students with disabilities

Sandra Trammell, a mother to a young woman with a developmental disability, asked, “Across the state, students with disabilities are not taught the challenging curriculum available to students without disabilities. As Governor, how would you work to ensure that students with disabilities have the same access to ambitious educational opportunities that other students have and that incorporate developmental milestones considered comparable to their peers without disabilities?”

3. Advancing opportunities for people with disabilities who want to work and earn an income

Kristen Powers, Executive Director of the Arc Caddo-Bossier, asked, “If elected, what will you do to advance opportunities for people with disabilities who want to work and earn an income, just like anyone else?”

4. On the provider reimbursement rate and Direct Support Professionals hourly rates

Brian Hensgens, LARC Executive Director, asked, “Louisiana is having a significant workforce crisis. As we continuously look for reasons for this crisis, we found that Louisiana is currently $5.00 below the nation’s average provider reimbursement rate, which has a direct effect on the hourly rates offered to Direct Support Professionals.  In other words, this low reimbursement rate is one of the leading causes of the workforce crisis.  How will you ensure that children and adults with disabilities have the direct support and services needed to continue living and working in their communities and stay out of expensive Medicaid-funded state-run institutions and nursing homes?”

5. Ending the housing crisis for people with disabilities

Paul Ganucheau, who is a Self-Advocate, asked, “The lack of affordable housing is a crisis in Louisiana and nationwide. In addition to being a workforce and economic development issue, it is a disability issue. Restrictions attached to receipt of support & services force some individuals with disabilities to choose between receiving support & services and having safe, decent housing. Other people with disabilities spend years on waiting lists for affordable housing, leaving some homeless. As governor, what would be your strategy for ending the housing crisis for people with disabilities?”


About Jakeel Abdullah

Jakeel Abdullah contributed to this article. Jakeel is a Self-Advocate and 2023-24 Louisiana LEND Scholar. To learn more, read Jakeel’s scholar bio here.

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/october-is-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-2/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6678 October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). NDEAM celebrates the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. ODEP has chosen “Advancing Access and Equity” as this year’s theme for NDEAM.

View an animated video that explores the spirit of NDEAM and ways you can celebrate.

For ideas about how you can support National Disability Employment Awareness Month, visit NDEAM.

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August Newsletter: Have you heard about the April Dunn Act pathway? https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/august-newsletter-have-you-heard-about-the-april-dunn-act-pathway/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:16:02 +0000 https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/news/?p=6641 Read HDC’s August newsletter by clicking the image below!

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