HDC Initiatives for People with Disabilities

Two young adults sit together on a park bench.

Welcome to the Human Development Center! We work with people with disabilities in school, at work, and in the community. We also support individuals with 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.

Visit LASARD

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.

visit LADBP

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.

visit pay check

For help with social security benefits and work:

WSC WIPA

The West South Central Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WAS WIPA) can help you keep your benefits while you work.

visit wsc wipa

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.

visit lend

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.

VISIT THE CAC