Advocacy Center – Louisiana
The Advocacy Center is Louisiana’s protection and advocacy system. Federal
law requires that a protection and advocacy system operate in every state to
protect the rights of persons with mental or physical disabilities. The Advocacy
Center is also funded by the state to provide legal assistance to people residing
in nursing homes in Louisiana, as well as to residents 60 years and older of
Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Tammany Parishes; and to advocate for the rights
of group home residents. Among the diverse services offered are legal
representation, information and referral, outreach and training. This organization
is a tax-exempt, private non-profit corporation organized in 1978 and governed
by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is based in New Orleans with branch offices
in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport.
Governor's Office of Disability Affairs
The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs (GODA) strives to serve as an
informational resource for people with disabilities, their families and the agencies
that serve them. GODA was established and designed by the Governor’s Office
to adequately educate, address and resolve issues relative to the disability
community. It is our goal to promote, encourage and support citizens with
disabilities so they may have an equal opportunity to actively participate in all
aspects of life.
LATAN – Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network
Contact for assistive devices and durable medical equipment for disaster
survivors, and for information regarding other programs and services for people
with disabilities and age-related limitation who can benefit from assistive devices
and daily living aids.
Office for Citizens With Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) serves as the
Single Point of Entry (SPOE) into the developmental disabilities services system
and oversees public and private residential services and other services for
people with developmental disabilities. The Office for Citizens with
Developmental Disabilities is committed to ensuring quality services and
supports, information and opportunities for choice to people of Louisiana with
developmental disabilities and their families.
OCDD conducts an assessment of people who request services to determine the
person’s eligibility for system entry. Eligibility is based on the definition of
developmental disability contained in Louisiana R.S. 28:451.1-455.2. The
community services regional offices and human services authorities/districts
serve as the points of entry for individuals to receive services from both the
regional offices/human services authorities/districts and the supports and
services centers.
Office of Aging and Adult Services
The Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) was formed within the
Department of Health and Hospitals as a health care reform initiative, bringing
together all of the long-term care programs that serve senior citizens and people
with adult-onset disabilities. The Office of Aging and Adult Services aims to
develop, provide and enhance services that offer meaningful choices for people
in need of long-term care. The office is committed to developing a long-term care
system that provides choice, ensures quality, meets the needs of consumers and
caregivers, and does so in a fiscally responsible manner.
People First of Louisiana
People First of Louisiana supports people with disabilities to empower
themselves in becoming effective decision makers, to gain more independence,
and enjoy life as equal citizens of the United States of America.
Statewide Independent Living Council
The Louisiana Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was established by
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to support the efforts of our citizens with disabilities
to live independently in the community of their choice. SILC works to maximize
the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with
disabilities, facilitating integration and full inclusion into the mainstream of
American society.
The Arc of Louisiana
The Arc of Louisiana is an advocacy organization of and for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to
promoting and improving supports and services for people with developmental
disabilities and their families. The Arc is people- people with developmental
disabilities, parents, family members, and friends who work together. We are a
grassroots organization with over 6,000 members affiliated through 21 local
chapters across the state. A board of directors and a delegate body of
representatives from each chapter guides the work of The Arc. The Arc staff work
hard to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. With guidance from our board of directors, The Arc of
Louisiana works hand-in- hand with our many local chapters to fulfill The Arc’s
mission throughout the state.