HDC Initiatives for Family Members of Individuals with Disabilities

Welcome to the Human Development Center! We support families of individuals with disabilities by offering referrals to agencies and support advocating for their child.

For help in Early Childhood (ages 0-3):

Early Learning Center

The Early Learning Center offers high-quality, inclusive early care and education for infants and toddlers.

Visit the Early Learning Center

Early Head Start Child Care Partnership

The Early Head Start Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) supports early learning centers in the New Orleans area to better include children with disabilities. Parents may qualify for free child care services if they are working or in school.

Visit Early Head Start

For help in education:

LASARD

Louisiana Autism and Related Disabilities (LASARD) project helps students aged 4-22 to be successful in the classroom. LASARD can help teachers and families find supports for students with disabilities.

Visit LASARD

LADBP

The Louisiana DeafBlind Project for Children and Youth (LADBP) helps young people with vision and hearing loss. LADBP also helps their families and teachers.

Visit LADBP

For help finding a job:

PAY Check

The postsecondary Apprenticeship for Youth (PAY Check) helps young people ages 15-22 get work experience, take college courses, and find a job.

Visit PAY Check

For help with Social Security benefits and work

WSC WIPA

The West South Central Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WSC WIPA) can help you keep your benefits while you work.

Visit WSC WIPA

For interest in advocacy and leadership

LEND

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) is a nine-month training program. LEND helps self-advocates and family members become effective advocates and community leaders.

Visit LEND

CAC

The CAC is a group of self-advocates, family members, and representatives of state agencies. The CAC helps the Human Development Center identify the needs and priorities of our disability community. The CAC then helps HDC identify strategies to address those needs.

Visit the CAC