Information for Individuals and Families

What is a Developmental Disability?

The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities law (R.S. 28:451.1 – 28:455.2) defines a developmental disability as either:

• A severe chronic disability that:
  • Is caused by an intellectual or physical impairment, or a combination of intellectual and physical impairments,
  • Is present before the person turns 22,
  • Is likely to continue throughout the person’s life,
  • Will result in a substantial functional limitation in three or more areas of major life activity (self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living, economic self-sufficiency),
  • Is not solely due to a mental illness, and
  • Indicates that a person will need a combination and sequence of individually planned care, treatment or other services that will be lifelong or for an extended period.
• A developmental disability may also be a substantial developmental delay or a specific condition in a person (either present at birth or acquired) that presents before age 9 that without services and support will likely result in a severe chronic disability as outlined above.

What is People-First Language?

Disability etiquette, which is commonly known as People First Language, is preferred terminology that refers to the individual first and the disability second. People with disabilities constitute our nation's largest minority group, roughly 54 million Americans have a disability, which is simultaneously the most inclusive and the most diverse. People with disabilities are moms, dads, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and students. Every individual regardless of sex, age, race, or ability deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. As part of the effort to end discrimination and segregation toward individuals with disabilities, please take an opportunity to discover ways to avoid negative terms that stereotype, devalue or discriminate, and appropriate ways to communicate and use People-First Language.

Locate Services in Your Area

In order for OCDD to determine whether a person is eligible for services, the person or someone acting on their behalf must complete an application for services. For more details on the application process, including how to apply and the face-to-face interview, please contact a local governing entity in your area. To locate services, click here.

---

---

---

---

Find a Provider

Freedom of Choice is the process whereby OCDD ensures that each person and/or their family has the right to choose the service provider most qualified to meet their needs. It is important to learn as much as possible about a prospective provider in order to make an informed decision regarding, which agency will be best suited to meet you or your family member's needs. To begin the process of locating a provider, use the Freedom of Choice provider listing map found here

---

---

---

---

Gain Employment

---

---

---

---

Advocacy Information

Advocates are trained individuals who help consumers, families, and professionals understand the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. They provide education, training, and advisory services.

Louisiana Partners in Policymaking

Learn about this national leadership training program offered in Louisiana for people with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities through Partners in Policymaking.