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.
Today is GiveNOLA Day!
When you make a tax deductible donation to our GiveNOLA Day campaign by midnight, you will help us empower more people with disabilities to access the services they need to live independently. Here is just one example of how we empowered a client to rebuild her life on her own terms.
Donate here: www.givenola.org/organization/disabilityrightsla
After surviving an abusive relationship and inpatient treatment, Rickii was determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. A nurse handed her a list of resources—with Disability Rights Louisiana at the bottom. Rickii says that one connection changed everything.
At Disability Rights Louisiana, she met with an advocate who listened to her story, made her feel safe, and helped her access the services she needed to live independently. She navigated complex systems, attended difficult meetings, and ultimately secured the support she needed—with her advocate by her side every step of the way.
“I had to tell my story over and over to prove that I needed services. It meant so much to have someone by my side through that,” says Rickii.
Later, Disability Rights Louisiana helped Rickii address challenges with Social Security and open an ABLE Account so she could use her earnings to build financial stability without jeopardizing the Medicaid services she fought so hard to secure.
"My advocate showed me that I already knew how to speak up for myself—I just needed to learn which rooms to speak in,” Rickii explained.
Rickii has gone on to become a powerful disability rights advocate. She joined the Louisiana Council Advisory Network, accepted a position on our board, and took a job at Families Helping Families, where she helped others access the resources they needed to live independently.
"Disability Rights Louisiana has the most passionate and helpful staff I’ve ever met. They saved my life, gave me back my dignity, and awakened the spirit of advocacy that’s guided me for nearly 15 years.”
#GiveNOLADay2025 ... See MoreSee Less
Tomorrow is GiveNOLA Day! Below is just one example of how we helped a client reclaim her independence. Donate today to help more people build pathways to safety and autonomy.
www.givenola.org/organization/disabilityrightsla
A woman was referred to Disability Rights Louisiana after her mother began contacting her service providers and making demands about her living arrangements. Her mother presented a Power of Attorney, insisting she had the right to make decisions on her adult daughter's behalf.
In a meeting with Disability Rights Louisiana, the client shared that she was unaware of the Power of Attorney. She shared a long history of emotional, physical, and financial abuse at the hands of her mother and insisted that she did not want her mother to be involved in making decisions about her life.
In response, we provided her with a written revocation of the Power of Attorney, which she was able to present to healthcare providers, banks, and others who might be approached by her mother.
The client was relieved to take these first steps to protecting her privacy and safety, and reasserting her independence. Today, she is building her future by looking for a new job so that she can find a more peaceful place to live, and she looks forward to spending more time with her new grand-baby. ... See MoreSee Less
GiveNOLA Day!
www.givenola.org
GiveNOLA Day, an initiative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is a one-day online giving event. For 24 hours, everyone who loves our region can support their favorite local causes by donating to ...Don’t miss this Free Legal Workshop on May 8, 2025 12:00-1:00 PM!
Melanie Bray, DRLA’s Director of Legal Programs and Advocacy, joins the Louisiana State Bar Association's “Law Talks” educational series for “Disability Awareness & Rights,” discussing what you need to know about your rights under disability laws.
Click on the link below for Zoom registration:
bit.ly/LawTalksDisabilityRights
OR you can use the link below to attend via Facebook Live
www.facebook.com/events/606201775126422/?rdid=W83HrVwYDLN1XOAT&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebo...
Click the link below to download an event flyer in PDF format:
www.lsba.org/documents/ATJ/LawTalksDisabilityRights.png
This is the next event as part of the Louisiana State Bar’s Access to Justice Commission's Justice For All Project, “Law Talks." This educational series of virtual presentations on important legal topics is hosted quarterly by legal aid & volunteer attorneys. Presentations will be via Zoom & streamed on the Louisiana Lawyers in Libraries Facebook page. Also, you can check with your local library to see if they are hosting an in-person watch party.
For more details, a list of upcoming Law Talks events, or to register your library, go to www.LouisianaLawyersinLibraries.org. ... See MoreSee Less
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Law Talks - Disability Rights & Awareness. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
bit.ly
During this presentation, an attorney from Disability Rights Louisiana will discuss what you need to know about disability laws and your rights. Disclaimer: The LSBA’s inclusion of a program in its ...