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.
April is #SecondChanceMonth, which aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for people returning from incarceration. In honor of this month, we'd like to spotlight the work done by DRLA's FAIR (Financial Access Inclusion & Resources) Program along with collaborators and partners, which helps formerly incarcerated people with disabilities make the most of these opportunities as they re-enter their communities:
Upon entering the FAIR program, a client faced daunting challenges of re-entering society while grappling with mental health issues, particularly Schizophrenia. Having spent two months at the low barrier shelter after his release from jail, he embarked on a transformative journey with the FAIR program, with employment and housing as his primary goals.
Recognizing the importance of finding the right fit for the client, our FAIR team successfully placed him in a position that resonated with his unique needs. However, the persistent challenges posed by his mental health became apparent, hindering his ability to complete assigned tasks. Despite four hospital stays and transportation difficulties the client reached a crucial realization—that addressing his mental health challenges was imperative for him to be able to pursue his broader goals effectively.
In a prime example of collaboration, the FAIR team stepped in and facilitated a vital connection to one of our partners, the START clinic. This collaborative intervention proved instrumental in establishing a stable medication regiment that significantly improved the client’s mental health symptoms. Additional referrals to START and Travelers Aid provided the comprehensive support needed to chart a course towards stability. The positive outcome of this collaborative endeavor manifested as the client received approval for Permanent Supportive Housing.
For the first time, he will have a stable living arrangement. Buoyed by this newfound stability, he is now setting ambitious goals, including obtaining a driver’s license to broaden his employment prospects. This success story stands as a testament to the transformative impact that partnerships can have on the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of re-entry.
As we continue our mission, we extend our gratitude to all of our partners, whose dedication and collaborative spirit make success stories like this possible. Together we are creating a network of support that empowers individuals to overcome barriers and build fulfilling lives post incarceration. ... See MoreSee Less
Alison Barkoff, Administration for Community Living Leader and Sherman Gillumns FEMA Federal Emergency Management / ODIC Director
Diving deep exploring how ACL and ODIC are working to increase inclusive disaster prep and response, ensuring equity for older adults and people with disabilities.
They also highlighted the amazing work from CILs, DD Councils, P&A's, and AAA's from Puerto Rico to Florida, to Hawai'i!
📢REAADI for Disasters Act & The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies got a shoutout!
The 1st out of 4 in a webinar series from ACL and FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC)
Emergency Preparedness for Organizations Serving People with Disabilities and Older Adults
*it is being archived
ID: Screenshot image of a zoom webinar showing three people sitting at a desk facing the camera. From left to right sits Alison Barkoff a white woman with curly brown hair wearing a black and white blouse; Ed Ahern a white man sitting in his wheelchair wearing a white shirt with a laptop in front of him; Sherman Gillums a Black man sitting in his wheelchair wearing a black FEMA branded shirt. ... See MoreSee Less
It should be beautiful weather on Saturday for Autism Fest, and DRLA will have a table with advocates on hand to share resources, helpful information, and other goodies! More info below on all of the great activities and organizations that will be part of the event. Come out and say hi! ... See MoreSee Less
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ASGNO Autism Festival. – Autism Society of Greater New Orleans
asgno.org
The Festival is our major fundraiser to raise funds to be used for services, empowerment, education, and supporting Autistic individuals and their families in the Greater New Orleans area.