Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Newsletter
July 2021
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2021 Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Conference |
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The Governor's Office of Disability Affairs (GODA) will host its annual conference virtually via Zoom during the week of July 26 - 29, 2021. The theme for the 2021 GODA Conference is "Moving Forward, The Journey Ahead."
This year's conference will span four (4) days, and will feature breakout sessions pertaining to accessibility, education, employment, healthcare, voting, emergency preparedness, self-determination, leadership, advocacy, interactions with law enforcement, transportation and other issues important to the disability community.
The GODA Conference is presented free of charge and is open to the public.
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2021 Legislative Session Update |
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During the 2021 Legislative Session, The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs has tracked over 80 legislative instruments that affect individuals with disabilities. The items can be viewed on this spreadsheet.
Governor John Bel Edwards has signed the following disability related legislation in to law:
HB170/Act 419 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to reporting of students identified as having dyslexia.
HB172/Act 450 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides for Medicaid coverage of dental care for certain adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities
HB181/Act 373 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to admitting privileges for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.
HB187/ Act 181 (Effective 6/11/21) Amends laws relative to home health care
HB188/Act 277 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides with respect to healthcare records.
HB228/Act 313 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to restroom access for individuals w certain conditions
HB251/Act 72 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to time limitations for instituting prosecution for crimes with victims with infirmities
HB253/Act 468 (Effective 7/1/21) Provides relative to the governance and funding of the Special School District, which provides special education services through its schools and programs
HB259/Act 194 (Effective 6/11/21) Provides relative to employment for persons with disabilities
HB270/Act 266 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides for definition and exemptions relative to telemedicine and telehealth
HB285/Act 22 (Effective 1/1/22) Provides relative to the amount a time a person may remain in a voting machine
HB286/Act 365 (Effective 6/16/21) Extends the period for early voting prior to election day
HB316/Act 305 (Effective 1/1/22) Adds mucopolysaccaridosis Type I and glycogen storage disorder Type II to the state’s newborn screening panel
HB391/Act 424 (Effective 1/1/22) Authorizes the recommendation of medical marijuana in raw or crude form and limits the dispensing of such product.
HB397/Act 73 (Effective 8/1/21) Authorizes the La. Dept. of Health to provide education and training to healthcare providers who treat patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other dementia diseases.
HB411/Act 573 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to student discipline.
HB412/Act 312 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to the reemployment of employees who have resigned or retired from the classified service due to injury or medical condition
HB421/Act 400 (Effective 6/16/21) Authorizes public school governing authorities to establish learning pods for the purpose of providing small group instruction for students enrolled in public schools
HB446/Act 452 (Effective 8/1/21) Creates and provides for the office of the state Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator within the division of administration
HB460/Act 321 (Effective 8/1/21) Establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council w/in Louisiana Department of Health
HB589/Act 329 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to petitions for authorizing involuntary outpatient treatment
HB594/Act 379 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to reimbursement rates for certain ventilation treatments.
HB648/Act 477 (Effective 7/1/21) Provides for sports wagering
HB697/Act 80 (Effective 7/1/21) Provides for sports wagering
HB7/Act 449 (Effective 7/1/22) Provides for a sales and use tax exemption for feminine hygiene products and diapers
HB703/Act 242 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to the use of genetic information in underwriting for life and long-term care insurance
HB79/Act 372 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to treatment facilities for mental health patients.
HB85/Act 415 (Effective 8/1/21) Creates a literacy program for certain public school students
SB108/Act 204 (Effective 1/1/22) Provides relative to mental health rehab services contracts w Medicaid-managed care organizations
SB125/Act 286 (Effective 7/1/21) Exempts certain infused prescription drugs from local sales tax
SB127/Act 433 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to specialized behavioral health rehab services in Louisiana medical assistance program
SB133/Act 210 (Effective 6/11/21) Provides relative to the prioritization of health equity by the Louisiana Department of Health.
SB142/Act 435 (Effective 6/21/21) Provides for the disposition of funds generated by sports wagering
SB191/Act 50 (Effective 6/1/21) Provides relative to coverage of certain
physician-administered drugs and relate services
SB214/Act 458 (Effective 6/23/21) Provides relative to individual graduation plans and high school curriculum options
SB216/Act 108 (Effective 6/4/21) Provides relative to individual graduation plans and high school curriculum options.
SB222/Act 438 (Effective: 8/1/21) Requires early literacy professional development for certain teachers.
SB234/Act 294 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to providing accelerated instruction to certain students.
SB93/Act 92 (Effective 8/1/21) Provides relative to telehealth services provided by licensed hearing aid dealers.
SB94/Act 431 (Effective 6/21/21) Provides relative to insurance cost-sharing practices
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Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA) Membership Opportunity |
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Applications are being accepted for membership on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA). GACDA is required by law and established through executive order to advise on the needs of individuals with disabilities in Louisiana. GACDA is also charged with assisting the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs with the resolution of state disability issues and providing education, communication, and networking services concerning disability issues and needs for all Louisiana citizens.
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Take Your Shot at A Million
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The Louisiana Department of Health is offering the chance to win $100,000 every week starting July 9th and a grand prize of $1,000,000 at the end of the month to all Louisiana residents ages 18+ who have chosen to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine — all you have to do is enter.
Louisiana residents ages 12-17 who have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine are eligible to win one of nine $100,000 scholarships.
Already received your vaccine? Register now to be eligible for all of the remaining drawings. The sooner you choose to get your vaccine and register, the more chances you will have to win!
For more information or to register please click here.
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Louisiana Department of Health Regional Meetings |
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The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), with support from the Louisiana Public Health Institute, is hosting a series of virtual regional meetings in June and July 2021, to gather feedback for the State Health Assessment (SHA). These meetings are being held in partnership with the Governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and the Louisiana Public Health Institute. Each of these two-hour meetings will be held over Zoom.
During these meetings, participants will have the opportunity to share their vision for health in Louisiana and their perspectives on the status of health and wellness in their communities. Participants will join other community members in breakout rooms to provide their feedback. LDH will also provide a demonstration of the newly-published State Health Assessment Dashboard, a health equity data resource to inform public health improvement planning.
Region 2 - Baton Rouge / Capitol Area
Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupée, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes
Tuesday, July 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Click here to register.
Region 3 - Houma / Thibodaux Area
Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes
Wednesday, July 14, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Click here to register.
Region 4 - Acadiana Area
Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermillion Parishes
Monday, July 12, 10 a.m. - Noon Click here to register.
Region 5 - Lake Charles / Southwest LA Area
Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis Parishes
Thursday, July 15 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Click here to register.
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BREC's "Play for All" Accessible Playground Project |
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BREC plans to construct a fully accessible, universal playground for people of all ages and abilities – and we want to hear from you!
BREC’s goal is to foster discussion around the wants, needs and expectations of our community members for the new universally accessible playground.
By offering visual, tactile, and cognitive exploratory experiences, “Play for All” will meet a range of developmental, mobility, and social needs for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. For more information about the playground, which will be located at Independence Community Park, please visit: Play for All Project Update
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Healthy Relationships Trainings |
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GACDA Member Sharon Delvisco and Dr. Rebecca Mandal-Blasio of Autism Spectrum Therapies providing Healthy Relationships Matter virtual online training entitled “How to Support Healthy Relationships for Family Members, Caregivers and Professionals Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities”. The training will be offered online. The Healthy Relationships Matter training topics include public vs private places and behavior, recognizing red flags, consent, boundaries, and internet safety.
There is no registration fee and the training is approved for 2 SW Clinical CEU hours and 2 CLEs for attorneys.
Access to accurate information about healthy relationships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is lacking in today's society. Many family members and caregivers struggle with discussing the topic of relationships, intimacy, sexuality and safety and also with how to present the information in a way that the person with developmental disability will understand. Further information to assist caregivers on providing this education to those they care for is also limited.
Availability of trainings or high costs of healthy relationship curricula prevent caregivers, schools or other agencies from providing the education themselves. The importance of this type of training for caregivers is undeniable as people with I/DD are 4 to 7 times more likely to experience sexual assault than people without disabilities.
A lack of access to accurate information contributes to the likelihood that people with I/DD may experience abuse and/or exploitation. In an effort to better prepare people with I/DD fore healthy relationships is a must! Thus, it is necessary to empower caregivers so they can empower those they care about. This will be an open and honest discussion about sexuality and supporting your family member or the person you support to feel safe.
Please use the registration links below:
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Disability Rights Louisiana Awarded Three Year Grant |
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FAIR works to improve the employment, financial, and reentry outcomes of formerly incarcerated people with disabilities. Between July 2021 and July 2024, with funds from BCM, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMC), Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), and the RosaMary Foundation, FAIR will provide financial coaching and case management services to approximately 200 new clients in the Greater New Orleans area, who have disabilities, are formerly incarcerated, and want to work.
Approximately 40% of people incarcerated in the United States report having at least one disability. Disproportionately high unemployment and poverty rates among people with disabilities are causes and effects of their mass-incarceration. After incarceration, people with disabilities are often unable to participate in vocational and reentry programs, due to lack of accommodations or connections to disability-related services.
Prior to FAIR’s inception in 2019, “we could not find reentry programming that was built around the needs of people with disabilities,” reflects Program Manager Libby Whiteside, who led the development of FAIR, “so we designed this program to address the complex issues that often derail people with disabilities as they try to secure jobs, make-ends-meet financially, and stay in the community after incarceration.”
Trained in financial coaching, benefits counseling, and disability-informed case management strategies, FAIR staff collaborate with clients to identify their financial goals and to address their prioritized needs. Case Manager Pat Holmes explains, “We break down those hidden barriers to employment. For example, a client might need help accessing food, shelter, and medical care before they are ready to work. Then, they might need help figuring out how earnings will impact their disability benefits. Once they have steady income, clients may want help addressing credit issues or constructing a savings plan so they can have a stable place to live.
FAIR is about meeting individuals where they are at.” DRLA has found that applying holistic case management and financial coaching strategies yields higher employment rates, improved financial security, and lower recidivism rates for formerly incarcerated people with disabilities.
FAIR was piloted between 2019 and 2021, with funding from Kessler Foundation, GNOF, and JPMC. Clients experienced employment rates that were over twice as high as those experienced by formerly incarcerated people with disabilities who received vocational rehabilitation services alone. Despite impacts of COVID-19, FAIR captured a cumulative total monthly income increase of approximately $53,376 among 53% of clients. FAIR documented a cumulative total of $50,492 in reduced debt among 45% of clients, largely in thanks to partnering organization Justice Accountability Center of
Furthermore, only 5% of FAIR clients served during the pilot were re-incarcerated. “We are proud to house the premier financial coaching and case management program focusing on individuals at intersection of disability and reentry--we are incredibly grateful to BCM for their support so we can continue and grow our services to this historically underserved community,” says DRLA’s Director of Community Advocacy, Debra Weinberg.
About Baptist Community Ministries
Baptist Community Ministries (BCM), one of the largest private foundations in Louisiana, is committed to improving the physical, mental, and spiritual health of people and communities in the five-parish Greater New Orleans area. BCM invests in the community by making Grants and by providing direct services. Learn more by visiting www.bcm.org.
About Disability Rights Louisiana
Disability Rights Louisiana protects and advocates for the human and legal rights of all children, adults and seniors with disabilities. Our work aims to empower the disability community to live an integrated life, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Learn more by visiting www.disabilityrightsla.org.
Contact
For more information about DRLA’s FAIR Program, please contact Program Manager Libby Whiteside via telephone at 504-522-2337, ext. 139 or via email at ewhiteside@disabilityrightsla.org
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Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans (FHFGNO) through its Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LPTIC) will host a series of Webinars to discuss various important topics.
In the first of several trainings, a session that will discuss Special Education dispute resolution options when parents disagree will be held on July 7, 2021. the Learning Goals include:
- Frequently used acronyms;
- Different informal and formal dispute resolutions options offered by the Louisiana Department of Education;
- How to request a dispute resolution option;
- And more!
Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Louisiana’s Bullying Prevention Law - FHFGNO as they discuss Louisiana’s Bullying Prevention law. This law applies to all public school students, regular education and special education. However, there are some significant implications that need to be considered when a student with a disability is involved.
Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Navigating the IEP: Part 1 - this interactive training will navigate the different sections of the IEP. In Part 1 of our 4 Part Series, FHFGNO will cover the requirements of notification to the parent for an IEP meeting, IEP team members, IEP exceptionalities, General Student Information and Special Factors to be considered for a child with a disability.
Date: Monday, July 12, 2021
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Special Education FAQ 1.0 - Join FHFGNO for this new interactive training on the most frequently asked questions about special education and younger children.
Learning Goals include:
- Transitioning from EarlySteps to school services;
- Evaluation requirements and timelines;
- Who qualifies for special education;
- Evaluation requirements for students in private schools;
- What to do if your child is struggling in school;
- How to handle bullying in school;
- And more!
Date: Monday, July 12, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Parent Rights in Special Education - Join FHFGNO for this new interactive online training where a discussion of parent rights in special education will take place.
Learning goals involve understanding your special education rights, including:
- Parental participation;
- Access to education records;
- When informed consent is required;
- Prior written notice;
- Independent Education Evaluation;
- Your right to disagree with school;
- And more!
Date: Monday, July 12, 2021
Time: 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Navigating the IEP: Part 2 - Join FHFGNO for a new interactive training as they will navigate the different sections of the IEP. In Part 2 of our 4 Part Series, they will focus on the instructional plan, which includes the present levels of performance and challenging academic and functional goals for a student with a disability. These will be followed by Accommodations.
Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Special Education FAQ 2.0 - this new interactive training on the most frequently asked questions about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process.
Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Top Tips for Effective IEP Meetings - Join FHFGNO for this new training as they will go over some of the best IEP Tips for organizing yourself for an effective IEP meeting. FHFGNO will break them down into three steps: before, during, and after the meeting. Implementing our top 5 tips in each of these sections should result in an effective IEP meeting.
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2021
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Navigating the IEP: Part 3 - Join FHF of New Orleans for this new interactive training as they will navigate the different sections of the IEP. In Part 3 or our 4 Part Series, we will discuss the Program/ Services and Placement/ Consent Sections of the IEP.
Date: Monday, July 19, 2021
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
The ABC’s of Extended School Year (ESY) Services - Did you know that data collected during the holidays often determine if your child will qualify for ESY Services? This training provides an overview of the ESY process for children with disabilities including how children qualify and why in many circumstances the school uses the holiday breaks in determining if a child will qualify for ESY.
Date: Monday, July 19, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Navigating the IEP: Part 4 - Join FHF of New Orleans for this new interactive training as they navigate the different sections of the IEP. In Part 4 of our 4 Part Series, they will cover the transition sections of the IEP.
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
Special Education FAQ 3.0 - Join FHFGNO for a new interactive training on the most frequently asked questions about the transition process from high school to adult life.
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals of School-Aged Children/Students.
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Brain Injury Association and United Spinal Association Annual Conference
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The Brain Injury Association of Louisiana/Louisiana Chapter of United Spinal Association will host annual conference ... "Together Toward Tomorrow".
Friday, August 13 - Saturday, August 14, 2021
The Doubletree by Hilton New Orleans Airport
2150 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062
This two day conference brings healthcare professionals from around the state together to hear fantastic presentations from speakers around Louisiana and the country. Expand your knowledge, while earning CEUs, and network with vendors and likeminded professionals in your industry. Individuals with brain and/or spinal cord injuries and caregivers also attend the event to hear the medical presentations. Register at https://www.biala.org/upcoming-events/biala-13th-annual-conference.
Survivor Saturday, a day of recreation and fellowship geared specifically for individuals with brain and/or spinal cord injuries, will be held on November 6th, 2021.
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Americans with Disabilities Act Webinars
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July ADA Audio Conference Series Wednesday, July 7, 2021
July ADA Audio Conference Series Tuesday, July 20, 2021
July ADA Legal Webinar Series Wednesday, July 21, 2021
July Section 508 Best Practices Webinar Tuesday, July 27, 2021
August Accessibility Online Webinar Series Thursday, August 5, 2021
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Louisiana Department of Insurance Advisories |
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The month of June brings sunny skies, sizzling temperatures, and the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Recent flooding from heavy rain is a reminder to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage ahead of severe weather. Here is what you can do now to protect your home and property before a storm threatens Louisiana.
Review your policies. Read over your homeowners insurance policy paying special attention to your hurricane deductible. Check your auto insurance policy for comprehensive coverage in the event your vehicle is flooded. Speak with an agent or insurance company about purchasing a flood insurance policy.
Update your home inventory. You can use your phone to photograph or video the contents of your home or you can make a list using pen and paper. Download the NAIC Home Inventory app to get started. Click here to watch a video.
Save copies of documents. Keep all important documents such as insurance policies, passports and birth certificates in a safe place. Always keep a copy of your agent or insurance company’s contact information.
Check for potential hazards. Pick up or secure any items that may become projectiles in high winds, cut down hanging limbs and secure loose roof shingles.
FAQs: Severe Weather
Can I buy flood insurance if my property has flooded in the past?
Yes, you can buy flood insurance even if your home has been flooded before. However, there may be a 30-day delay before the coverage becomes active. See your insurance agent for details.
Is tornado damage covered by my homeowners insurance policy?
Unlike flood damage, tornado damage is covered under the typical homeowners insurance policy. Tornadoes generally cause wind damage. If a roof is blown off and a home's contents are destroyed by rain, that is covered by standard policies.
Why should I have a home inventory list?
A home inventory provides a comprehensive look at your possessions and can help make the process of filing a claim go smoother. It can also provide you with a good idea of how much insurance coverage you need.
How soon does the insurance company have to pay me the money it owes me for the repairs to my property?
Sometimes you will receive a check quickly. However, an insurance company has up to 30 days to pay your claim after you provide a satisfactory proof of loss.
If I am not satisfied with the service that my insurance company has given me, how do I file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance?
Protecting Your Health in an Emergency
The Louisiana Department of Insurance advises policyholders to review their health coverage this hurricane season. It’s the best way to make sure you get the care and coverage you need before, during and after a storm. Here are a few steps to get you started.
- Identify your in-network hospital. Find out from your provider what coverage your plan provides.
- Locate the pharmacy you are most likely to use and have its contact information on hand.
- Keep your prescriptions in original containers and make sure they are properly stored.
- Keep all important health related documents in a waterproof container such as copies of prescriptions, prescription cards, health insurance cards and policy information.
- Pack a first aid kit that includes items like contact lenses, hearing aid batteries and dentures in case of an evacuation.
If you have questions regarding your Medicare benefits our senior health staff can help. Call us at 800-259-5300.
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In her empowering and at times confrontational memoir, Don't Call Me Inspirational, psychotherapist, painter, feminist, filmmaker, writer, and disability activist Harilyn Rousso, who has cerebral palsy, describes overcoming the prejudice against disability--not overcoming disability. She addresses the often absurd and ignorant attitudes of strangers, friends, and family.
Rousso also examines her own prejudice toward her disabled body, and portrays the healing effects of intimacy and creativity, as well as her involvement with the disability rights community. She intimately reveals herself with honesty and humor and measures her personal growth as she goes from "passing" to embracing and claiming her disability as a source of pride, positive identity, and rebellion.
A collage of images about her life, rather than a formal portrait, Don't Call Me Inspirational celebrates Rousso's wise, witty, productive, outrageous life, disability and all.
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GODA
Spotlight:
Anthony Parker
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My name is Anthony Parker, I am a graduate of Louisiana State University with a bachelors of art in criminal justice. I am also a member of the most prestigious Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated. I am the third of five siblings in all and I am the only totally blind member of my family. Throughout the years, I have established my own recording studio in which I produced, recorded, and performed my material and it was somewhat of a success.
After that, I created a business for myself which was a bending stand and which I distributed the music of all local artist, this was for 15 years, I also assisted my mother in her restaurant business, tutored children at the school for the visually impaired, and currently, I am working at the Lighthouse Of Louisiana. After graduating Valedictorian of my class at the school for the blind, I knew that I was not going to be one who settle for less.
I later created a YouTube channel, 3rd eye vision which serves as a platform for the blind and visually impaired people. it also educates the sighted community about the lives of the visually impaired. I am currently working on furthering my mission as well as trying to find a better job for myself and which I could utilize my other skills, this has been a long journey for me however; I have more work to do.
For more information, please visit my YouTube channel by clicking here.
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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
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