Disability Rights Louisiana monitors legislative activity that impact the lives of people with disabilities and works to provide information to relevant stakeholders and various policy makers about the anticipated effects of such legislation.
We are guided by the following principles/platforms:
Abuse and Neglect
Individuals with disabilities are far too often the victims of abuse and neglect. Disability Rights Louisiana advocates for policies that act to prevent and remediate instances of individual and systemic abuse and neglect among the disability community, including physical abuse, physiological abuse and financial exploitation. Further, Disability Rights Louisiana supports policies that aim to hold the entities responsible for these acts accountable, including as applicable, individuals, providers, and state agencies.
Autonomy
Individuals with disabilities should be allowed and encouraged to exercise self-determination and independence. We advocate for policies that promote self-direction and that provide individuals with disabilities the necessary amount of support so that they may make their own decisions.
Criminal Justice
Individuals with disabilities are more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system due to inadequate public investment in services such as mental health treatment and long-term supports and services. Disability Rights Louisiana advocates for policies that guarantee adequate supports aimed at preventing circumstances that may lead to the incarceration of individuals with disabilities and policies that divert this population away from the criminal justice system. Further, Disability Rights Louisiana supports policies that promote human dignity of those individuals with disabilities residing in prisons, jails and detention centers by ensuring access to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation opportunities, and policies that increase successful reintegration in the community.
Disaster Relief
Natural disasters and emergencies are often disproportionately harmful to individuals with disabilities. Disability Rights Louisiana promotes policies that ensure the safety of this population in the event of a wide-scale emergency, including preparedness measures, specialized services, and necessary modifications to programs and services during and after emergencies
Education
All children and young adults should be provided the appropriate supports and services so that they may thrive in educational settings where they can learn alongside their non-disabled peers. Additionally, we support and encourage policies that allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to access post-secondary education, including vocational schools, community colleges, and university settings.
Employment
Individuals with disabilities have been historically underrepresented in the American workforce despite having marketable skills that can bring immense value to the private, public, and non-profit business sectors. Disability Rights Louisiana supports policies that promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities, regardless of severity, to pursue, obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.
Healthcare
Individuals with disabilities often have special healthcare needs that may require robust support and services so that they can maintain quality of life and continue to exercise maximum independence in the community. Disability Rights Louisiana supports healthcare policies that promote accessible, community-based, non-discriminatory coverage and health services that are readily available in both urban and rural areas.
Housing
Individuals with disabilities have been relegated to reside in large institutional type settings for decades, hidden away from the community. Disability Rights Louisiana promotes policies that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to rent or own their own homes or apartments in the community alongside their non-disabled peers, absent from discrimination.
Long-Term Supports and Services (Medicaid)
Comprehensive long-term supports and services (LTSS) are essential to allowing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to exercise self-determination and live independent lives in the community. Disability Rights Louisiana advocates for policies that strengthen the access and availability of Medicaid, expand services under the program to meet the needs of populations in need of LTSS, avoid unnecessary institutionalization, and promote community integration.
Transportation
Individuals with disabilities may reap little or none of the benefits of policies that promote equal access to healthcare, education and employment if they lack adequate transportation. Disability Rights Louisiana supports policies that aim to increase access and accessibility to all forms of transportation.
