We work on behalf of people with disabilities to combat all forms of discrimination, abuse and neglect through monitoring, investigations and legal action.
We support people with disabilities of all ages in order to advance individual rights and create systems change that focuses on community integration and quality of life.
We provide people with disabilities the tools, resources and assistance that empower them to exercise maximum independence and self-determination.
Thanks to your support, we have empowered 266 job seekers with disabilities since launching our Access Employment fundraising campaign in November. For example:
We represented a young woman with a disability, who is pursuing a career as a veterinarian. Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) determined that her mom, who receives disability benefits, had too much money for her to receive tuition assistance. Through DRLA’s advocacy, LRS reversed their decision, agreeing to pay for the majority of her tuition and educational expenses. This will keep her from having over $175,000 in debt as she enters the workforce. Now, LRS is working toward a rule change so that others aren't similarly impacted.
We know how important jobs are: they are how we support ourselves, how we meet our friends, and sometimes even how we define ourselves. People with disabilities face significant barriers to employment. Your generosity has helped us arm job seekers with the support and resources they need in order to access competitive job opportunities.
For more about the work we do to help people with disabilities with access to equitable, accessible employment, visit our website: disabilityrightsla.org/how-we-can-help/employment/
Stay tuned to this space for more updates on the impact you are helping us have on the disability community.
Thank you for supporting Disability Rights Louisiana! ... See MoreSee Less
You can donate to DRLA through #SOLAGivingDay for just one more week, until May 2nd!
www.solagivingday.org/organizations/disability-rights-louisiana
Here’s why we need your support:
There are a number of institutions that house children with disabilities in South Louisiana. Behind these walls, children don't have easy access to trusted adults, which puts them at risk of abuse and neglect. They don't usually receive the mental health and special educational services they need, which harms their development and their ability to succeed when they come home.
We will use your SOLA Giving Day donation to send a new legal fellow to these institutions, so they can find the children who are facing these issues and help them with our legal team. Your gift will be DOUBLED, thanks to the generosity of the Lutz Family who, through Tulane Law School, will support half of the legal fellow’s salary! ... See MoreSee Less
April is National #MinorityHealthMonth
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use, help is available in English, Spanish, and other languages. #NMHM
💗 Help yourself & share to help others: samhsa.gov/find-help ... See MoreSee Less