LADDC’s Position on Public Policies

Where We Stand on Key Issues in Louisiana

The Council develops policy position statements and papers to inform and educate policymakers about important issues. Policymakers are elected officials and government leaders who make decisions about laws, regulations, polices, and programs that affect Louisianans. Policy positions explain what the Council thinks about an issue. They are based on the Council’s beliefs about independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion of all Louisianans with developmental disabilities. These beliefs are explained in the position statements and papers.

Print and use the following position statements and papers to advocate for improved services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

  • Inclusion

    The Council supports the full inclusion of all people with developmental disabilities. Inclusion means people with and without disabilities live, learn, work, and play together. Inclusion makes it possible for people with disabilities to live the life they want, have good relationships with the people they choose, and do things that make them happy.

  • Education and Early Intervention

    The Council believes that people with developmental disabilities should be supported to reach their full potential. This means they get support to learn and grow as much as possible. 

    • All infants and young children with developmental disabilities should get the early intervention services and supports they need. 
    • All students with developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to learn alongside students without disabilities. They should get the services and supports they need to make this possible.

  • Employment 

    The Council believes that people with developmental disabilities should have the chance to take part in and give back to their communities. They should have the support they need to get and keep jobs in the community, working with people who do not have disabilities. Their jobs should match their interests, skills, and needs.

  • Self-Determination

    Self-determination is when you have the freedom to make your own decisions and are in control of your life. The Council believes that family, friends, government, and service providers should support this right. The Council supports the right of all people to live in their own homes and to learn, work, and play in their communities. This includes people with the most support needs.

  • Community Supports

    The Council believes that people with developmental disabilities should have the supports and services they need to live and do well in their own homes and communities.

  • Health

    The Council believes that people with developmental disabilities have the right to live healthy lives. For this to happen they must get the health services they need.

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council speaks out against all forms of racism and oppression. We respect everyone’s differences and include people of all backgrounds. We treat people fairly no matter their race, ethnicity, disability, culture, age, gender, or sexual orientation. The Council helps others see, understand, and fight unfairness so everyone is treated equally.

  • Child Care

    The Council believes that children with developmental disabilities and their families do better when they have childcare options that are inclusive and flexible. Inclusive childcare welcomes and supports everyone so children with and without disabilities can learn together. Flexible childcare makes changes when possible to meet each child and family’s needs.

  • Recreation

    The Council believes everyone should have the opportunity to participate in activities in their free time that match their interests and abilities. Recreational, leisure, and social activities should be inclusive. This means people with and without disabilities are welcome so they can play and have fun together. 

  • Transportation

    The Council believes that people with developmental disabilities should be able to easily use all kinds of transportation to get to school, work, medical appointments, and other places in the community. Transportation options should meet everyone’s needs.

  • Housing

    The Council believes that people with developmental disabilities have the right to accessible, affordable, and safe housing.

    • Accessible means everyone can get into, move around in, and use the housing. This includes people who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment.
    • Affordable means you have enough money to pay for your housing, while also paying for other things you need.
    • Safe means you will not get hurt.

    Adults should have the right to choose who they want to live with and where they want to live in the community. 

  • Quality Assurance

    The Council believes that everyone with developmental disabilities should get good services that help them live well. People with developmental disabilities and their families should get the information and skills they need to be free of abuse, neglect, financial and sexual exploitation, and violations of their rights.

    • Violation of rights means someone is not following the rules or laws that protect you. They are not letting you have or do something you have a right to.
    • Abuse is when someone hurts you or treats you very badly.
    • Neglect is when someone does not take care of you or give you the things you need, like food, housing, or love.
    • Exploitation means when someone unfairly uses you for their own benefit. They might take advantage of you, take your money, or use you in a way that is not right.