2024 In Review
Our Focus in 2024
Through comprehensive training, innovative programs, and evidence-based practices, we have empowered educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders to build more inclusive environments.
HDC focused on the following topics in 2024.
Our Services Provided in 2024
As a UCEDD, HDC is tasked to fulfill the purpose of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act through interdisciplinary training, research, and community service.
Our services reached 11,435 individuals in the 2024 fiscal year.
Grants & Contracts awarded to HDC
In Fiscal Year 2024, HDC secured nearly $8.5M in funding, including over $6M from federal grants. The LASARD project, which provides training and coaching for K-12 educators, received over $1.6M in contracts from school districts across Louisiana. Additional revenue was generated through tuition for the Early Learning Center, fees for pre-employment transition services in partnership with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and other income from clinical services, professional development, and post-secondary transition services.
Collectively, these funding streams enable HDC to support a workforce of over 40 full-time staff and faculty members.
Student learns how to write braille with Dr. Rose Angelocci in her class "Communication Skills for Working with People Who Are Visually Impaired or Blind."
HDC courses at LSUHSC
Improving Accessibility in Healthcare with Dr. Rose Angelocci
Being in medical school, I will undoubtedly have patients who are visually impaired, and now I have more resources to support them. I’m also proud to have learned the Braille alphabet.” — 2024 Student
Building the Capacity of Louisiana Professionals
This year, HDC delivered impactful presentations and workshops that strengthened the skills and knowledge of professionals, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have the support they need to thrive.
Incorporating evidence-based practices, HDC works with educational and multidisciplinary support professionals to create more inclusive, accessible environments for individuals with disabilities.
In FY24, HDC provided 268 hours of professional development and 2,558 hours of coaching to 2,787 individual professionals.
LASARD Facilitator Tara Lark, M.Ed., LPC-S distinguishes between exclusion, segregation, integration, inclusion, and belonging at the 2024 Louisiana Teacher Leader Conference.
2024 Conferences
Teacher Leader Summit
Teacher Leader Summit is Louisiana’s premier professional learning event where thousands of Louisiana educators dedicate part of their summer break to improve in their craft and prepare for the school year ahead.
HDC staff presented five sessions on a variety of topics.
2024 TASH Conference
TASH advances equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, with a focus on those with the most significant support needs, in the areas of education, employment and community living.
HDC staff and faculty presented three sessions focused on inclusive education and transition, including the conference’s plenary session.
Professional Development Spotlights this year
LADBP hosts statewide CVI workshops
The Louisiana DeafBlind Project (LADBP) hosted "Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI): Impact and Compensatory Strategies" workshops in Lafayette, New Orleans, Ruston, and Alexandria in spring 2024. With more than 138 participants across the state, the workshops' turnout included a diverse group of early intervention providers and special education personnel.
GeneBIORETS
HDC’s Dr. Michael Norman is co-director of the GeneBIORETS program within the LSUHSC School of Medicine. This program provides Louisiana high school teachers with specialized training to enhance their science curricula. Dr. Norman offered educators a greater understanding of supporting students with disabilities, including disability policy and Universal Design for Learning. Additionally, HDC’s Dr. Rose Angelocci and Nicky Gillies conducted hands-on training sessions with a particular emphasis on supporting students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Blind, or have low vision.
LEND scholar meets her family for the Family Mentoring Experience. In this experience, scholars are matched with mentor families of children with disabilities who provide them with opportunities to engage them with everyday life to gain understanding of the "lived experience." Scholars complete a service learning project for the family based on identified needs.
Building the Capacity of Louisiana Families
At HDC, our commitment to families is at the heart of everything we do. Through inclusive programs, family-centered support, and collaborative partnerships, we strive to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Supporting Families Spotlight
Empowering Families Through Conscious Discipline
In 2024, our Early Head Start Childcare Partnership launched “Family Nights,” a series of parent education seminars designed to strengthen family engagement through the principles of Conscious Discipline. These interactive sessions equip parents with practical strategies to foster emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive behavior in young children.
Bringing DeafBlind Families Together
LADBP created “Families Together,” a monthly virtual meetup for Louisiana families whose lives are affected by DeafBlindess.
Connecting Families with Supports for Success After High School
PAYCheck plays a crucial role in supporting families by connecting them with essential services like Louisiana Rehabilitative Services (LRS). This partnership helps ensure a smooth transition for students with disabilities as they move from high school to adulthood. Through this collaboration, PAYCheck facilitates access to vocational training, employment opportunities, and other vital resources that empower individuals to lead independent and fulfilling lives after graduation.