Human Development Center

HDC News

 

HDC News

This page contains HDC News.

 
Constance Alphonse

Constance Alphonse named State of the States Data Ambassador and LEND ECI Champion

Constance Alphonse currently works with the Human Development Center's LASARD Project as a Facilitator. She is also a 2024-2025 Louisiana Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LA LEND) Scholar where she was nominated to serve in national programs: State of the States Data Ambassador Program and the Early Childhood Intervention Personnel Center for Equity

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Posted 12/11/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


A family with a mom, dad, two young girls, and a boy toddler surronds their kitchen island while mom wears apron.

HDC's Dr. Krista James provides FASD training to DCFS staff and foster families

The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) is partnering with the Human Development Center at LSU Health New Orleans to provide training on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) throughout Louisiana. 

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Posted 11/07/2024 by Jolie Robichaux

 


Lauren, her husband Troy, LaCAN Leader Kristie Curtis and Council Executive Director Ebony Haven meet with Senator Gerald Boudreaux following Lauren’s testimony before Senate Finance Committee.

Remembering Advocate Lauren Womack

It is with great sadness the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council announces the passing of Council Member Lauren Womack. Lauren was an incredibly dedicated member of the Council who was appointed by then Governor John Bel Edwards on August 11, 2023. She quickly demonstrated to her fellow Council members her passion and commitment to positively impacting all Louisianans with disabilities.  

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Posted 10/31/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


FASD is neurodiversity.

FASD and Neurodiveristy 101 Webinar

FASD Initiatives

Want to learn more about FASD and neurodiversity? We have the 101 on neurodiversity and supports that can be used in school, at home, and in the community. 

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Posted 10/4/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


FASD Awareness Month

September is FASD Awareness Month

FASD Initiatives

With 1 in 20 children estimated to have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the United States, FASD isn't rare. It's everywhere. We're joining FASD United to educate our communities about the risks associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, provide support to individuals and families affected by FASD, and combat stigma.

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Posted 08/31/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


LASARD Lunch n Learns: Visual Supports with Tracy O'Donnell

Lunch + Learn: Visual Supports

LASARD Project

Need visual support ideas to start off your school year as a super support for your students? In this Lunch + Learn, LASARD Facilitator Tracy O’Donnell, M.Ed. will share 30 visual supports in 30 minutes, including visual support ideas for all learners in all grades K-12!

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Posted 08/14/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


aerial view of hurricane

Hurricane Resources

LASARD Project

Louisiana’s hurricane season is underway. Hurricanes can be challenging for individuals to navigate, and we want to help! Here are resources to guide your loved one through a hurricane. 

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Posted 08/06/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


 

Illustrated school bus driving from house to classroom.

Back to School Checklist

LASARD Project

Transitioning back to school can be a challenging time for students and families. We compiled our favorite transition resources to help your learners adjust to the new school year. Follow this checklist and your student will find their rhythm in no time.

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Posted 07/31/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


Nurse checks baby's heartbeat with a stethoscope.

HDC partners with LSU Health nursing students to bring baby wellness screenings to Early Head Start programs

The Human Development Center’s Early Head Start Child Care Partnership collaborates with the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing to offer nursing students clinical opportunities in early childhood well-child settings. 

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Posted 06/26/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


Boy using a cane at the park

Helping children with deafblindness achieve their potential on the Freedom Scientific podcast

Nicky Gillies and Cathy Miller of the Louisiana DeafBlind Project for Children and Youth were featured on the Freedom Scientific podcast! Tune in at minute 27 to hear them talk about the challenges of identifying deafblind kids young and helping them to achieve their potential.

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Posted 05/06/2024 by Stuart Simon


Girl with cochlear implant plays in grass with friend wearing glasses.

Looking for summer camps for your child who is Blind/low-vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind?

The Louisiana DeafBlind Project created a list of summer camps available for children in grades Pre-K–12 who are Blind/low-vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind.

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Posted 04/15/2024 by Jolie Robichaux


Ali Kowitz headshot

Ali Kowitz, M.Ed. accepted into the 2024 AUCD Leadership Academy

Ali Kowitz, M.Ed., Interim Director of the Human Development Center's Education, Transition, and Community initiatives, has been accepted into the 2024 AUCD Leadership Academy.

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Posted 04/05/2023 by Jolie Robichaux