What to Expect: Legislative Visits

How LaCAN Engages with Policymakers

LaCAN Leaders try to meet with every state legislator in person before each legislative session. They do this to provide information about issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and their families. LaCAN Leaders:

  • Schedule and coordinate these visits,
  • Provide fact sheets to introduce and explain issues, and
  • Support members to share their personal stories

It is important to know that every legislative visit is different. Legislators are real people, and just like everyone else, they have their own personalities. That can affect how your visit goes. Some legislators are talkers; while others are listeners. Some are formal with constituents; others are more casual and laid back. Some legislators will show a real interest and concern for disability issues. Others will have different priorities and interests.

While each visit can be different, here are a few things you can expect to happen during your visit.

  1. Your LaCAN Leader will share the facts with the legislator, like numbers and data about the issue you are discussing. You will be asked to share a personal example of how the issue affects your everyday life. Your Leader will work with you before the visit to help you plan what to say.
  2. You may be nervous. It is common when trying something new. Just remember that you are the expert on your life and family. You know something your legislator needs to know. You may also feel other emotions like grief, anger, or frustration. That is also common.
  3. Legislators will have questions. Sometimes they will ask you a question. Do not worry if you don’t know the answer. Your Leader is there to support you. You or the Leader can always get back to the legislator with the answer.

LaCAN  Leaders are always looking for members who are interested in participating in legislative visits. Visits can be made all year, but are usually done in the months leading up to the legislative session. Please contact your Leader if you would like to join him/her on a legislative visit. Click here for LaCAN Leader contact information.