The Council engages in Systems Change and Capacity Building activities to improve the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities in the community. Community living refers to people living in their own homes, with their families, or with roommates of their choosing, students attending their neighborhood schools and having access to educational opportunities that prepare them to enter the workforce, and adults working in integrated competitive employment and/or engaging in meaningful integrated daytime activities.
Systems change involves the transformation or significant improvement of the service delivery systems to further enhance the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life.
The Council supports systems change through the grassroots advocacy of the Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network (LaCAN). Direct advocacy for systems change is also done with policy makers by Council staff and members through participation in meetings, task forces, and work groups on policy issues.
Capacity building refers to strengthening the skills, competencies and abilities of people, communities, and organizations to overcome obstacles that interfere with people with developmental disabilities living and working in their communities.
The Council often funds training and technical assistance for providers to enhance their ability to support people with the most significant needs in their own homes and/or in competitive integrated employment. Training and technical assistance has also been provided to generic community providers, such as child care centers and recreation departments, to enable them to include and support children and adults with developmental disabilities in their programs. And finally, the Council builds the capacity of individuals with developmental disabilities and families members through the provision of information, support, training, and leadership development.
These are just broad examples of the Council’s systems change and capacity building activities. Visit our initiatives page in each area of emphasis to learn about specific current and past initiatives.