JOIN US FOR A DAY OF ADVOCACY!

Monday, June 2, 2025

Louisiana State Capitol

Baton Rouge, LA

The Split Second Foundation and the Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs will co-host the first Disability Awareness Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.



The theme for the day is “Resilience,” reflecting the strength and determination of individuals with disabilities.

This event will enable disability based organizations to meet and interact with legislators, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs, and state leaders during the 2025 Regular Session to emphasize the importance of their work in their communities.

The event will feature exhibitors from various organizations who are pivotal in providing services and support within the disabilities community.

EXHIBITORS

Questions may be directed to:

Split Second Foundation @ info@splitsecondfoundation.org.

Governor's Office of Disability Affairs @ Disability.Affaris@la.gov

DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY'S AGENDA

Panel Discussion

Disability is an Economic Issue:

How Disability Inclusion Drives Economic Growth

Date: Monday, June 2, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Louisiana State Museum

660 N 4th St

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Overview:

This panel will explore the economic implications of disability and how strategic inclusion can drive long-term growth and innovation. As the largest minority group in the country, people with disabilities represent an underutilized economic force. This conversation will examine the intersection of policy, workforce development, health outcomes, and inclusive tourism, asking: how can we reimagine systems to unlock the full economic potential of people with disabilities?

Moderator:

Mark Raymond, Jr. | Founder & CEO, Split Second Foundation | Director of Outreach, ABLE Today

Panelists:

Kevin Ferguson | Vice President, External Affairs, New Orleans & Co.



Kevin will share insights into how disability-inclusive tourism impacts local and state economies, and how accessibility enhances destination growth.

Kendra Davenport | President & CEO, National Easterseals

Representing over 100 years of service to individuals with disabilities and their families, Kendra brings a national perspective on service delivery, policy, and inclusion.

Dr. Maurice Sholas | Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation



Dr. Maurice Sholas is board-certified in pediatric rehabilitation medicine by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He will explore how social determinants of health and accessible services influence economic participation and cost-saving for government systems.

Themes to Be Addressed:

• The cost of exclusion: healthcare, unemployment, and poverty
• The workforce gap: rethinking recruitment, retention, and accommodation
• Inclusive tourism: untapped markets and smarter cities
• System redesign: building infrastructure and policy for equitable participation
• Strategies for public and private sector collaboration

Audience:

Policymakers, service providers, advocates, business leaders, and community members are encouraged to attend and engage in this critical discussion.