Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Newsletter
September 2021
|
|
Louisiana Survivors Affected by Hurricane Ida Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance |
|
Louisiana homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida who live in parishes that have recently been designated for Individual Assistance could be eligible for help from FEMA. The parishes are: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes.
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance. The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov.If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
- Your Social Security number, if available
- A general list of damage and losses
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
As soon as it is safe to do so, start cleaning up. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.
Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the event.
*Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is available.*
or call 800-621-3362 for more information.
|
|
The Emergency Management for Disability and Aging Coalition (EMDAC) is working hard to respond to the needs of the disability and aging communities in the wake of Hurricane Ida.
To access the most up-to-date information and resources, click here.
For a list of current Oxygen Exchange Sites, click here.
To contact EMDAC directly, call 1-800-270-6185.
|
|
Behavioral Health
Immediate Resources
|
|
Trained and compassionate individuals are available to support you during Hurricane Ida, the COVID-19 pandemic, or any emotional crisis. They will provide information and help link you to confidential mental health and substance use services. These resources were gathered by the Louisiana Department of Health. |
|
Office of Behavioral Health:
Keep Calm Line (activating 9/3/21)
Behavioral Health Recovery:
Outreach Line
- 1-833-333-1132 (24/7)
- For healthcare professionals and individuals in recovery
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
CrisisText Line:
- Text REACHOUT to 741741 (24/7)
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline:
- Call 1-800-985-5990
- Text TALKWITHUS to 66746
|
|
Louisiana 211:
- Call 211
- https://www.louisiana211.org
- Free, 24/7 referral and information that connects people to a wide range of health and human services.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
Local Human Services Districts/Authorities:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Louisiana:
|
|
Gov. John Bel Edwards and State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter applauded the U. S. Food and Drug Administration’s full approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, the first such full approval of its kind. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and easily available all across Louisiana for people ages 12 and older.
"After an exhaustive review process we are very happy to see the Pfizer vaccine receive full licensure from the FDA. More than 200 million Americans, including 2.2 million people in Louisiana, already have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine," said Dr. Joseph Kanter, State Health Officer. "The COVID-19 pandemic and our most recent surge have been devastating. To date, we have lost more than 11,900 Louisianans to this virus. Many more people going sleeves up for this life-saving vaccine will protect us against future COVID-19 surges and help us put an end to this pandemic."
HOW TO GET A COVID VACCINE IN LOUISIANA
Everyone age 12 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. The FDA has only authorized one of the three COVID-19 vaccines – Pfizer – for children ages 12 to 17. With today's announcement, the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine has full FDA approval for those ages 16 and up. The Pfizer vaccine for those between the ages of 12 and 15 remains under emergency use authorization. Parents should confirm with the vaccine provider that their child is under 18 to ensure Pfizer vaccine is available before making an appointment.
- COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at 1,437 locations in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, including at pharmacies, hospitals, health care clinics, and doctor’s offices.
-
For a list of locations, visit LDH’s vaccine directory or visit vaccines.gov, which is maintained by the federal government.
- To get a list of vaccine locations near you text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English, or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish.
- If you have questions, would like to speak with a medical professional, or need help scheduling an appointment, call 211 or Louisiana’s vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.
|
|
2021 Governor's Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards &
Inclusive Art Contest
|
|
The GOLD Awards recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations who have contributed their time and talents to benefit the lives of persons with disabilities in Louisiana. The award categories are:
Distinguished Merit Award
Patsy Barrett Memorial Award
Ken Vince Memorial Award
Educator of the Year
Youth of the Year
Family of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Employer of the Year
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
The nomination form for the 2021 GOLD Awards can be found here.
The Inclusive Art Contest enables participants to increase awareness of the importance of inclusion in today's society through visual and written artistic expression. Entries should illustrate or describe ideas related to this year's theme: "Accessibility of the Future."
NEW WRITING CATEGORIES: In addition to the visual art categories, there will be categories for written art. Contest participants may submit literary works (such as poems, essays, speeches, etc., limited to 300 words) that illustrate or describe this year’s theme.
The Inclusive Art Contest is open to any resident of Louisiana, with and without disabilities of any age. Contestants are encouraged to conduct research on the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A medal and special recognition from Governor John Bel Edwards will be presented to the winners.
Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, the date, time, location, and format for the Inclusive Art Contest and GOLD Awards Ceremonies are TBD.
The deadline for submissions for both the 2021 GOLD Awards and Inclusive Art Contest is Monday, November 1st!
|
|
Remembering Anita Gray Pattan |
|
Anita Gray Pattan lived her live with purpose. She was an active member of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) being appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards in 2016. She was Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana 2013. Anita proceeded to lead the Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana pageant for several years providing mentorship to the many ladies who followed as titleholder. She would accompany the current Ms. Wheelchair annually to meet Governor Edwards. Anita was also involved in mental health advocacy.
Anita Gray Pattan was scheduled to participate as a panelist in one of the sessions of the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Conference held at the end of July but she contracted COVID prior to the conference and passed away in August of 2021. The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs sends our deepest condolences to her friends, family, and loved ones. We will miss her leadership and passion to serve our statewide community.
|
|
State As a Model Employer Taskforce Annual Survey |
|
In 2018, Governor John Bel Edwards established the State As a Model Employer (SAME) initiative to promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities in Louisiana State Government. The SAME Taskforce provides recommendations and resources to assist departments and agencies in their commitment to improve the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities, thereby becoming a model employer.
The purpose of this annual survey is to determine the number of individuals with disabilities currently employed within state government in order to measure progress from year to year. This data will also help state agencies determine whether they need to develop strategies to ensure individuals with disabilities are included and supported at their worksites.
The SAME Taskforce recommended this anonymous survey be sent to all state employees annually in order to determine the percentage of state employees who self-identify as having a disability. The survey was conducted through the month of August. This is the fourth year the survey has been conducted. Links to the plans, reports, and data can be found on this webpage.
|
|
National Disability Voter Registration Week (Sept 13-20) |
|
The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs (GODA) will be participating in National Disability Voter Registration Week (NDVRW)!
NDVRW takes place from September 13-20, 2021 and is a national, nonpartisan campaign to register, educate, and prepare voters with disabilities for the 2021 elections and beyond.
The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs is taking the lead to form a Louisiana’s REV UP Coalition and we hope you will join us in celebrating National Disability Voter Registration Week. REV UP stands for Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!
If you would like to learn more about voting as a person with a disability, check out this episode of Tuesdays with Liz featuring Michelle Bishop. You can also use this online tool created by REV UP to check your voter registration status!
|
|
We would like to share this informative article in the August/September edition of the Louisiana Bar Journal about Supported Decision Making. Special thanks to author Joel A. Mendler for including input in this article from Disability Rights Louisiana’s Managing Attorney, Melanie Bray, and Ashley McReynolds from the The Arc of Louisiana. Melanie Bray and Ashley McReynolds have been presenting a series of training webinars to inform people around the Louisiana about our Supported Decision Making Act (SDMA), also known as The Dustin Gary Act.
|
|
Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA) Membership Opportunity |
|
|
|
NAMI to Host Mental Health Fair
|
|
NAMI Louisiana (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is having its first mental health fair, "Get Connected!" on Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. at the River Center Branch Library in Baton Rouge. Admission is free to the general public
Local vendors will be on hand as attendees will be provided with resources and tips to prevent suicide, as well as resources to support mental health and crisis prevention.
|
|
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is hosting 10 exciting webinars in the month of September. Topics include, but are not limited to: The Basics of Educational Plans, Special Education FAQs, Top Tips for Effective IEP Meetings, and Parents' Rights in Special Education. To view the full slate of webinars, descriptions, and corresponding registration links, click here!
|
|
Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana: September Webinars |
|
Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana is hosting three educational webinars for the month of September. Topics include IEP meetings, Section 504, and EarlySteps transition. To view the full slate of webinars, descriptions, and registration information, click here!
|
|
Human Development Center
Employment First Trainings
|
|
LSU Human Development Center is one of 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in Education, Research and Service across the United States. HDC has been providing training and technical assistance throughout Louisiana for decades.
The 40-Hour Core Training is intended for Employment Support Professionals in their first 6 months of providing employment support services. Alternatively, you can take each day as a 5.0-hour Continuing Education Credit. For more information on LSU HDC's Employment First Trainings, click here.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the on-going need for staff training, HDC will move training programs to an online platform.
|
|
Are you looking for vaccination support for people with disabilities? Call the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 888-677-1199. The line is open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 8PM ET, or email DIAL@n4a.org.
DIAL was created through a partnership between the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help older adults and people with disabilities get COVID-19 vaccines. The hotline also provides information to help connect callers to local support services that promote independent living and address fundamental needs like food, housing, and transportation.
|
|
Disability Rights of LA Survey |
|
Every year, Disability Rights Louisiana asks for feedback from the community to help us set our priorities and goals that guide our work.
Here is a message from Disability Rights regarding this:
In the past, these [surveys] have led us to focus our work on helping to protect, advocate for, and empower people with disabilities on issues including education, independence & self direction, rights of individuals in institutions, employment, voting, and benefits protection. We’d like your thoughts on what you would like us to work on in these areas, and any additional areas you would like us to focus on that we have not in the past.
If you have a few minutes, please answer as many questions as you can in this survey to give us feedback that will guide our priorities and goals for the coming year. You can complete the survey online using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MTVF7NL
|
|
As we wrap up the summer months, GODA wants to spotlight the Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s Top 10 Things I Wish People Knew About Cerebral Palsy video, featuring comedian Zach Anner. Anner gives humorous, lighthearted approach to disability etiquette. This video is approximately three and a half minutes long and is sure to provide lots of laughter!
|
|
GODA Spotlight: Hagan Landry |
|
A Delcambre native, Hagan Landry is a Paralympic athlete who brought home a silver medal in the men’s shot put F41 on August 30th, 2021. He cites his grandmother and coach Larry Judge as two of his biggest supporters.
According to teamusa.org, “Landry first started in track and field as a javelin thrower, but Judge saw his potential as a shot putter and helped build to his new Paralympic dream.” After winning, Landry stated: “That was for the state of Louisiana. Hopefully, it brings a light in this time of dark.”
The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs would like to congratulate Hagan Landry on his incredible achievement!
|
|
Your story has the ability to heal, unify, and empower others. If you'd like to share your story for inclusion in our monthly newsletter please email disability.affairs@la.gov
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
