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GACDA Held Its
3rd Quarterly Meeting
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The Governor's Advisory Council held its 3rd quarterly meeting of 2025.
Discussions included:
- GACDA Subcommittee changes
- ACT 479 Presentation
- Agency Reports
- Open floor discussions
Questions/comments/concerns/accommodations:
contact: Disability.Affairs@la.gov
or call (225) 219-7553
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Governor Issues Proclamation:
September 20, 2025
USHER Syndrome Awareness Day in Louisiana
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Usher Syndrome is the world’s leading combined deaf/blind disease in the world affecting more than 400,000 worldwide and at least 25,000 people in the United States.
Usher syndrome (USH) is a rare inherited condition - passing from parents to children - that impacts three major senses in the body: hearing, vision, and balance. Currently, there is no cure for Usher syndrome, but treatments can help people manage their vision, hearing, and balance problems.
The Lafayette non-profit, USH1C, Louisiana DeafBlind Project for Children & Youth, and LSU Health New Orleans hosted the 5th Annual Usher Syndrome in Louisiana Symposium and 10th Annual USHONE See Walk/Run.
Tillie Carrier, Senior Coordinator with the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, presented the USHER Syndrome Awareness Day Proclamation on behalf of Governor Landry to show his support to the USHER community.
For more information on USHER syndrome, click here.
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GOLD Awards
Nomination Deadline
November 3rd
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The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs is excited to host the 2025 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) awards. The GOLD Awards are an opportunity for Louisiana to pay tribute to the achievements and dedication of individuals in the disability community.
GOLD Award Categories
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Distinguished Merit Award
Patsy Barrett Memorial Award
Ken Vince Memorial Award
April Dunn Youth of the Year
Educator of the Year
Family of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Employer of the Year
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Service Provider of the Year
Direct Support Professional of the Year
Veteran of the Year
Service Animal of the Year
Elected Official of the Year
Public Servant of the Year
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The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs strives to structure the awards ceremony to celebrate all Louisiana citizens who have inspired positive changes within the disability community.
With your help, the 2025 GOLD Awards will honor the devotion and talents of those who have worked diligently to make Louisiana a better place for all people.
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Submissions for nominations are due by Monday, November 3, 2025.
- All information, awards criteria, and descriptions can be found in the GOLD Awards Flyer below.
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Nomination packets must be completed through the form below. Incomplete packets will not be considered.
- A recognition ceremony will be held with Governor Landry at a date to be announced later.
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All questions should be directed to disability.affairs@la.gov or (225)-219-7553.
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Mail entries to:
Office of the Governor
Attn: GODA
1051 N 3rd Street, Suite 129
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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GODA Inclusive Art Contest Deadline November 3rd
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In the spirit of the 35th year of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to bring greater awareness to the importance of inclusion in today’s society, the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs (GODA) invites you to participate in the 2025 Inclusive Art Contest.
GODA will accept entries that illustrate or describe ideas related to the law which ensures individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else by requiring reasonable accommodations and accessibility.
Contestants are encouraged to use original visual or written art to share their vision, experiences and talents, and tributes to disability advocates to demonstrate this year's theme.
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Open to ALL residents of Louisiana of any age.
- No group entry will be accepted.
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All entries must be received by November 3, 2025.
- All information and entry criteria can be found on the Inclusive Art Flyer below.
- A recognition ceremony will be held with Governor Landry at a date to be announced.
Contestants are encouraged to use art to share their vision, experiences, and talents to demonstrate “CREATIVITY MEETS ADVOCACY: A Tribute to Disability Advocates” and are encouraged to conduct research/educate themselves of the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
Mail entries to:
Office of the Governor
Attn: GODA
1051 N 3rd Street, Suite 129
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
All questions should be directed to disability.affairs@la.gov or 225-219-7553
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The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Barry Meyer who sadly passed over the weekend of September 27.
Barry served the Louisiana disability community in a variety of ways, most notably as the former Director of the Arc of Louisiana where he spent nearly 40 years of his life and career.
To those who knew Barry, he was an incredibly kind soul and a fierce advocate for change.
He will be missed by all.
| | National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) | | |
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is held every October.
NDEAM is a fitting time to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
The 2025 NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent,” and as part of the lead up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s observance will highlight the achievements of Americans with disabilities both past and present.
NDEAM is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year.
For specific ideas on supporting NDEAM and how you can participate, visit this website.
| | Louisiana's Achieving a Better Life Experience | | |
The Louisiana Achieving a Better Life Experience Act is a program which allows families to save for disability related expenses of their loved ones. The advantage of this program is that it allows the family to save without worrying about whether the assets in an account will be counted as an asset for purposes of determining eligibility for federal and state benefits programs such as Medicaid and Social Security.
An account owner can personally save up to $19,000 per year or save with help from family and friends. As long as the balance in an account does not meet or exceed $100,000, the funds will not be not be counted as a resource for purposes of determining eligibility for SSI.
In addition, if an account does meet or exceed $100,000, SSI will only be suspended; it will not be permanently canceled. Once the balance in the account goes below this $100,000 threshold, the SSI benefits can be reinstated.
Any earnings on your account (i.e., interest that accrues on the account) are tax free as long as you spend the funds on qualified disability expenses. Qualified disability expenses include all of the following:
- Education – to include Tuition for preschool to post-secondary schools
- Housing
- Transportation
- Employment Training and Support
- Assistive Technology and Related Services
- Personal Support Services
- Health, Prevention, and Wellness
- Financial Management and Administrative Services
- Legal Fees
- Expenses for Oversight and Monitoring
- Funeral and Burial Expenses
- Other expenses which may be identified by the Internal Revenue Service
| | Having Trouble with Accessibility? | | |
Do you have trouble with Accessing:
Text messages
E-mails
Internet
Video Phones
Hearing Voice Phone Calls
The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program FREE COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT for individuals with combined hearing and vision loss offers help with staying connected to everyone.
The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program can provide free equipment like smart phones, computers, adaptive software, Braille displays, or amplified phones, to help people improve their distance/electronic communication
The program provides equipment, adaptive software and training for people who meet the disability and income guidelines.
For more information, contact:
Scott Crawford at 337-234-6492 or 1-800-319-4444 or TEXT 337-654-9385
scottc@affiliatedblind.org or www.affiliatedblind.org
Program website: www.icanconnect.org
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Click the video to the left for information about the icanconnect program. | | | |
Applications are now open for OAR's Graduate Research Grant Competition!
This year, they are excited to prioritize autistic early career investigators, elevating autistic voices to shape the future of autism research.
Do you have a research project that aims to help parents, families, professionals, or autistic individuals make more informed choices to support healthier, happier lives? Check out this grant opportunity today!
Grant awards range from $1,000 for students conducting autism research as a requirement in pursuit of a master’s degree and $2,000 for students who are doctoral candidates or post-doctoral students.
Proposals are due February 2, 2026, so check out the website to learn more about the application process and apply today!
For more information- click here.
| | New Athlete Registration Portal Special Olympics Louisiana | |
Get Ready, Louisiana! The New Athlete Registration Portal is Here!
Special Olympics Louisiana has built something awesome just for you—a brand-new online portal for athlete registration! Think of it as a one-stop-shop designed to make signing up for a sport a breeze.
What is the Portal?
Athlete & Coach Super-Highway: No more paperwork headaches! Athletes will be able to register for new seasons in a snap.
What are the benefits?
- Easy to use
- Better visibility
- Personalized Profile
- Simplified forms
- Plus more
Register NOW!
ALL athletes, new and existing, must register by January 5, 2026 in the NEW Athlete Registration portal to be eligible to compete!
Multiple athletes? Create a parent account first. Click here for instructions on creating a parent account.
For questions, click here or call 800.345.6644
| | 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀! | | |
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has approved a Declaration of Emergency that allows 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 in each of Louisiana’s 10 Deer Areas for the 2025-26 hunting season.
Primitive firearms season start dates:
Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 & 10 → Oct. 11
Deer Area 2 → Oct. 18
Remaining Deer Areas → Nov. 8
For more info, contact: 225.765.2800, 8 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
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UL Announces Fall 2025
LIFE Ambassadors
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Congratulations to the Fall 2025 UL LIFE Program Ambassadors!
These students were selected based on their exemplary attitudes, hard work in and out of classes, outstanding applications, and successful completion of in-person interviews where they shared their passion for UL Lafayette, the LIFE program, and higher education!
They will represent the program at Preview Days, tabling events, student panels, public speaking opportunities, and other events hosted by UL LIFE.
2025 FALL UL LIFE Ambassadors
Patrick - Baton Rouge, LA
MaShay - Oakland, CA
Cole - Erath, LA
Carmen - Youngsville, LA
Andy - Baton Rouge, LA
Taylor - Oakland, CA
Abigail - Edmond, OK
For more information, contact:
Admissions and General LIFE Program
Office: Randolph Hall 202
Email: Lifeprogram@louisiana.edu
Phone: 337-482-9022
| | Emergency Preparedness Training for People with Disabilities | | |
Emergency Preparedness Training
Saturday, October 4
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Ree Alario Center
6900 Saints Drive, Metairie, LA.
Emergency preparedness can be a complex task especially with the unique challenges facing people with disabilities living in our ever-changing world.
This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to discuss disability-specific challenges for emergency preparedness, learn about resources available in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes, and begin developing a personal preparedness plan.
Learn more about:
- Alerts & Evacuation Assistance
- Medical & Mobility Planning
- Available Resources
- Information from Local & State Partners
FREE & Open to all residents of Orleans & Jefferson Parishes!
Lunch is provided!
The event is being offered through a collaboration with the following community partners: Jefferson Parish Emergency Management, City of New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP)/NOLA Ready, Disability Access Solutions and Volunteer Louisiana.
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Jefferson Parish Community Resource Fair
Saturday, October 4, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie
A family-friendly Community Resource Fair is happening soon!
This event is designed for individuals with disabilities and their families, offering access to valuable community services, education, therapies, recreation, door prizes, and much more.
For questions or concerns, contact:
or call 504-888-9111
| | Advocacy Training for Parents | | |
Special Education Advocacy Training for Parents
Families Helping Families, in partnership with COPAA, is offering a FREE 10-session online beginner-level course designed to help parents confidently navigate the IEP and 504 Plan process.
This training will run from October 9 to December 18, 2025, every Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your advocacy skills and gain the knowledge you need to support your child’s education journey.
| | Mudbugs Military Appreciation Weekend | | |
October 11, 2025
Join the Shreveport Mudbugs vs Corpus Christi Icerays for a special night of celebration of our veterans.
Tickets are reserved for individuals with disabilities/special healthcare needs and their families.
Call 318-226-4541 for your COMPLIMENTARY tickets
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Section 504 Explained Webinar
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Section 504 Explained Webinar
Friday, October 17, 2025
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Join Families Helping Families and Dr. Charlie Michel, guest speaker, for information on how Section 504 might help your child in school and to get tips to use during your Section 504 meetings.
For more information, call 337-436-2570 or email info@FHFSWLA.org
| | Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver Programs Webinar | | |
Louisiana Medicaid Enrollment Options and People With Disabilities Webinar
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
As a person with a disability, there are things to consider when selecting your Managed Care Organization (MCO) and Dental Plan during the enrollment period.
This free webinar will discuss Louisiana Enrollment 2026 for people with disabilities.
The webinar is for individuals who are insured by Medicaid.
In addition, the webinar will give you information to help you make the most informed decision and provide you with Medicaid updates.
Guest Speakers:
Sno Garrett: Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority Developmental Disabilities Division Medical Certification Specialist Supervisor
Marla Cradeur: Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority Developmental Disabilities Division RN - Medical Certification Specialist 2
For more information, contact Davelyn at FHFSWLA
337-436-2570 or 1-800-894-6558
info@fhfswla.org
www.fhfswla.org
| | 8th Annual Conference on Disability Advocacy | | |
LA EHDI Program Announces
Advisory Council Meeting
| | Creating an Inclusive School Environment Here in Louisiana | | |
For many children, the start of a new school year is filled with excitement—fresh notebooks, new classmates, and the excitement of seeing their friends after a summer apart. For children with disabilities, this time can also bring anxiety, uncertainty, and worry about not having friends at school.
During the 2024-2025 school year, Jonesboro Hodge Elementary School, Jonesboro, Louisiana had the privilege of receiving an OAR Peer Education Grant.
Through this grant, the efforts of staff and students at the school created an inclusive environment conducive to understanding the diverse needs of others and supported the growth and development of all students.
The strategies utilized included:
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A peer education and awareness campaign: They used OAR’s Kit for Kids with all of the students to promote understanding and empathy.
- Modeling inclusive behavior: They met with teachers prior to the start of the grant to discuss ways the faculty could set the tone for inclusion by modeling respectful communication skills, celebrating differences, and intervening when they saw exclusion or bullying.
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Encouraging empathy through storytelling: They chose the book, Masterpiece, by Alexandra Hoffman to share with students and their families.
- Involving families and the community: They publicized information about the Peer Education grant on their website and social media pages and in the local newspaper.
- Involving students in all activities: They determined early on that the success of the program would depend greatly upon student and staff support.
By fostering understanding, encouraging positive interactions, and embracing differences, schools can create inclusive environments where all students feel valued, respected, and supported. The ripple effects of acceptance extend far beyond the classroom by helping students learn to value similarities and celebrate differences.
To learn more about the OAR PEER Education Grant, click here.
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October Book of the Month
| | Unlimited: Renee Bruns Set a Guinness World Record | | |
Newly Released - UNLIMITED: RENEE BRUNS SET A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD is a picture book biography about an incredible woman who has used a wheelchair since she was five years old.
Born with autosomal recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, Renee Bruns' courage is unlimited. Although she can't walk, run, hop, skip, or jump, Renee parasails, scuba dives, skydives and drives.
At age 38, Renee decided to fulfill her dreams of traveling the world. She set a Guinness World Record by traveling to more countries in a year than any wheelchair user ever had. She visited 55 countries, 40 of them unaccompanied-just herself and her wheelchair.
To learn more inspiring stories about Rene Bruns' travels and work, click here to visit her website.
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