About LADDC
Empowering Louisianians with Disabilities
The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council’s mission is to make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to have the support and opportunities they need to live the lives they want.
Who We Are
The Council was started in 1971 as a result of the passage of a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act or DD Act. We are a state agency, but we are independent. That means we make our own decisions.
The Council is made up of 28 Louisianans from across the state. Council members are appointed by the governor. They include:
- People with intellectual and developmental disabilities,
- Family members of people with developmental disabilities,
- Advocates,
- Disability Rights Louisiana,
- Human Development Center,
- Community agencies, and
- States agencies.
The Council develops a plan every 5 years that guides our work. It describes our goals, the activities we will work on to reach them, and our partners.
What We Do
We Lead: We help lead the way with new ideas that make people with developmental disabilities’ lives better. We want Louisianans with and without disabilities to be able to live, learn, work, and play together.
We Advocate: We advocate for people with developmental disabilities so they have the same opportunities in life that other community members have. We advocate for people to be included and supported the way they want to be.
We Empower: We support advocacy and leadership training and activities. People with developmental disabilities and their family members learn how to advocate for themselves and others.
We Educate: We help the community understand things that can get in the way of people with developmental disabilities living the lives they want. This helps communities to welcome, support, and include people with disabilities.
We Partner: We work with people with developmental disabilities, their family members, organizations, and others to find answers to problems. We work together to bring about change.
We Inform: We provide information and resources so people with disabilities and their families can understand their rights, increase their independence, have control over their lives, and find the services and supports they need.
We Advise: We educate leaders in state government and the state legislature. We work with them to make laws, policies, programs, and services better for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
More Information About the Council
Stay Informed
Sign up today to receive the Council’s electronic newsletter, LaDDC News, and to join LaCAN, the Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network.
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