HDC Initiatives for People with Disabilities
Welcome to the Human Development Center! We work with people with disabilities in school, at work, and in the community. We also help people in advocacy, health, and wellness.
For help in school:
LASARD
Louisiana Autism and Related Disabilities (LASARD) project helps teachers and families find supports for students with disabilities. LASARD helps students aged 4-22 to be successful in the classroom.
For help with vision and hearing impairments:
LADBP
The Louisiana DeafBlind Project for Children and Youth (LADBP) helps young people with vision and hearing loss. LADBP also helps their families and teachers.
For help finding a job:
PAY Check
The Postsecondary Apprenticeship for Youth (PAY Check) helps young people ages 15-22 get work experience, take college courses, and find a job.
For help with social security benefits and work:
WSC WIPA
The West South Central Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WSC WIPA) can help you keep your benefits while you work.
For interest in advocacy and leadership:
LEND
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) is a nine-month training program. LEND helps self-advocates and family members become effective advocates and community leaders. LEND also trains graduate students and professionals to prioritize the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
CAC
The Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) is a group of self-advocates, family members, and representatives of state agencies. The CAC helps the Human Development Center identify the needs and priorities of our disability community. The CAC then helps HDC identify strategies to address those needs.