Disability Rights Louisiana provides free legal and non-legal advocacy for people with disabilities.
For people with Autism, there are a few specific ways in which we frequently help.
Special Education:
- Children with disabilities have a right to a free and adequate public education;
- Children with Autism often demonstrate behaviors at school that impede their learning. DRLA may be able to provide technical assistance or legal representation when school districts:
- Fail to provide the services necessary for the child to benefit from their education;
- Discipline a child for behaviors that are a manifestation of their disability; or
- Reduce the child’s school hours or place them in an alternative school or on homebound.
Supported Decision Making
Supported Decision making allows individuals with disabilities to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people they choose. DRLA can provide information about this alternative to Tutorship.
Medicaid Advocacy:
For children ages 3-20, who are enrolled in Louisiana Medicaid and are on the waitlist for the Children’s Choice waiver, DRLA can provide advocacy to ensure that they receive all medically necessary services in a timely manner, including:
- Case Management
- Personal Care Services (PCS)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), for conditions like Autism.
For individuals of all ages who are currently enrolled in a Medicaid Waiver, DLRA can provide individual advocacy to ensure that they receive the services they need to avoid unnecessary institutionalization.
For individuals living in ICF/DD group homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, DRLA can provide support and advocacy to ensure that their medical needs are being met.
Employment
DRLA can assist people to access vocational rehabilitation services that will help them obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment, and transition into that employment post-high school.
For Individuals who receive SSI or SSDI, DRLA may be able to provide legal representation to help
Need Help?
You can learn more about DRLA and the services we provide and request assistance by visiting our website www.disabilityrightsla.org or calling us at 504-522-5507 or 1-800-960-7705.
