Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities

Mission

The mission of the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities is to provide programmatic leadership necessary in the design and development of services to afford people with developmental disabilities and their families a seamless services system that is responsive to both individual needs and desires.

Vision

A society that promotes partnerships and relationships that empower people with developmental disabilities to live fully integrated and valued lives. 

Values

• Accountability - People set goals, plan what needs to be done, do the work, monitor progress, report results, evaluate, exchange feedback and take responsibility for their actions.
• Choice - People have the opportunity to learn about options and use this information to make their decisions.
• Clarity - Openness, honesty and accountability in all services, supports and information. All information is known and understood by everyone.
• Cultural Sensitivity - People regardless of cultural differences are to be treated with respect and dignity to fairly meet their needs.
• Dignity - People are valued and the system supports their sense of pride and self respect.
• Empowerment - People act on issues they define as important.
• Inclusion - People take part in their communities of choice, including taking part in policies and program planning.
• Partnership - People work together in shared decision making to achieve common values.
• Person/Family DrivenServices System - People are at the center of the system and their needs and preferences determine how services are provided.
• Quality - People achieve desired outcomes.
• Accountability - People set goals, plan what needs to be done, do the work, monitor progress, report results, evaluate, exchange feedback and take responsibility for their actions.

Guiding Principles

• The OCDD values all people and protects their rights and privileges as citizens of Louisiana and the United States of America.
• People have the power to make decisions about services and supports, how they are delivered and by whom. The necessary services, supports and information are received promptly.
• Services and supports are designed to allow people to remain in their communities or locations of choice, support people to achieve valued outcomes, develop meaningful relationships and attain quality of life as defined by the person.
• Services are flexible, and personal outcomes and goals are considered in the development of individualized supports for each person.
• Family supports enable people to live in stable environments with lasting relationships while existing natural supports and community resources are promoted and utilized.
• The needs of the entire family are considered in the development of services and supports.
• The OCDD system values and respects services agencies and workers who provide supports.
• The OCDD system is easy to navigate, user friendly and culturally sensitive. People are able to access services, supports and information through a single point of entry, which is person-centered. The services system is a seamless, flexible and responsive system of various services and supports through various stages of life.
• There is a partnership to assist with practices, communication, procedures, information and support so people who rely on services and supports feel confident that effective safeguards are in place and problems will be addressed quickly and effectively.
• The OCDD promotes cost-effective delivery of services.
• The OCDD is always seeking continuous improvement by which there is meaningful and consistent involvement by people in policy development, agenda and priority setting.