LaCAN
LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network) furthers the Council’s mission by advocating for policies and systems that support inclusion everywhere people learn, work, live, and play. LaCAN advocates for service systems that support children and adults with disabilities to live in their own homes and be fully-included and participating members of their local schools and communities.
Families Helping Families
Families Helping Families is a statewide network of ten family-directed and family-staffed regional resource centers which provide information on all types of services, goods, technologies, and activities that improve the quality of life in the community; help individuals understand their rights and how to advocate for themselves; and lend support from someone “who has been there”.
Partners in Policymaking
Partners in Policymaking is a national leadership training program for people with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. It provides the most current knowledge about disability issues and develops the competencies necessary for effective advocacy to influence public policy at all levels of government.
FIRST RESPONDER TRAININGS
In an effort to address first-responder tactics, approaches, and resources in fostering relationships with and dealing with individuals with developmental disabilities, the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council has contracted with Interaction Advisory Group to conduct virtual training sessions for First Responder Professionals and to host Community Training Events.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAININGS
The program from Niagara University brings together the disability community and those with a role in disaster emergency response with the intent to educate on all matters related to proper response for those with disabilities and access and functional needs. Designed to address inclusive planning, preparedness, response, and recovery as it relates to people with disabilities and access and functional needs, NU DAT defines the topic as regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act and established by FEMA.
FULLY INCLUDED VIDEO SERIES
“Fully Included: Empowering Louisiana’s Disability Community!” is a video series navigating topics such as advocacy, education, employment and more while featuring Council members, agency leaders and YOU – people with developmental disabilities, family members, and community members – who share their stories about navigating everyday life in Louisiana.
SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING: TRAININGS AND WEBINARS
Training opportunities are being offered statewide to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family members to increase their understanding of Supported Decision Making (SDM), also known as the Dustin Gary Act of the 2020 Louisiana legislative session, and other legal options available in Louisiana.
WORKING TOGETHER: INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT WEBINARS
Working Together is a campaign to create inclusive employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and to provide businesses and employers “how to” strategies for recruiting, hiring and retaining these employees in an inclusive work environment. Inclusive employment webinars are being offered virtually statewide to interested employers to better understand the processes and resources that can be used to increase employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.