Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals “Employment for People with Disabilities is a Priority in Louisiana”
On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, individuals with disabilities, employers and advocates gathered on the Capitol steps to call attention to the importance of employment for people with disabilities and the beginning of Louisiana’s observance of National Disability Employment Awareness month.
Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Secretary Kathy H. Kliebert outlined her agency’s efforts to promote employment for people with disabilities. “The role of work in our lives has been talked about so much and from nearly every angle. Issues like work-life balance make easy headlines, but what is often left out of the discussion all too frequently is that for some individuals work hasn’t always been an option,” said DHH Secretary Kliebert. “We want to make sure that our family members, friends and neighbors with disabilities have the ability to work if they choose to do so. We are dedicated to using waiver services, supports and provider relationships to help make that possible. I want to thank our the Workforce Commission, the Advocacy Center and our other partners for continuing to work to ensure that work is an option for any Louisiana resident who wishes to join the labor force."
Louisiana Executive Order JBE 2016-11: Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination (2016)
“No state agencies, departments, offices, commissions, boards, entities or officers of the State of Louisiana shall harass or discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, disability, or age against any individual in the provision of any service and/or benefit by such agencies, departments, offices, commissions, boards or entities.”
Louisiana Executive Order JBE 16-45: Louisiana Rehabilitation Council (2016)
“Whereas, the State Rehabilitation Council was originally established by executive order to provide Louisiana’s citizens with disabilities assistance in their pursuit of meaningful careers and gainful employment through specific programs.
Preparing and submitting an annual report to the governor and the commissioner of the Rehabilitation Service Administration, Washington, D.C., on the status of vocational rehabilitation programs operating within the state, and making the report available to the public.
Providing for coordination and the establishment of working relationships between Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Centers for Independent Living within the state.”
“Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) QUARTERLY DD COUNCIL REPORT September 28, 2016” Detailing DD Waiver Activities.
A report detailing Medicaid service levels, as well as a variety of Waivers and initiatives, including, but not limited to, the “residential Option Waiver, the New Opportunities Waiver, and the Self-Directed Waiver, as well as a description of ”Money Follows the Person”.
“Long-term indicators: To foster a better understanding of how skills taught in schools translate to life after high school, Louisiana will provide to schools and school systems an annual series of reports on the postsecondary success and economic productivity of their graduates as a group. These reports will provide local communities and educators with aggregated data regarding the measurable life outcomes experienced by recent graduates, including income, employment, and education attainment information
Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA) Annual Report 2017
“The Governor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities Affairs (GACDA) was established by Governor John Bel Edwards through Executive Order NO. JBE 2016-10 on April 7, 2016 to monitor state compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to advise the governor on the needs of individuals with disabilities in Louisiana. GACDA is also charged with assisting the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs with the resolution of state disability issues and provide education, communication, and networking services concerning disability issues and needs for all Louisiana citizens. GACDA is composed of 31 members appointed by governor Edwards. Support staff, facilities and resources for GACDA are provided by the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs within the Governor’s Office of Programs and Planning.”
“Louisiana Awarded $2 Million to Improve Career Education”
~~“The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. on Wednesday announced Louisiana is one of 10 states to receive a three-year, $2 million grant through phase two of the New Skills for Youth (NSFY) grant opportunity to strengthen and expand career-education pathways for students.
"This New Skills for Youth grant will provide tremendous support for our state's high school teachers and students in accessing high-quality workforce training, particularly in rural school districts and in support of our students with disabilities," said Gov. John Bel Edwards. "I'm confident that Louisiana's team of state and local education, economic development and workforce partners will make excellent use of these funds to dramatically improve the number of our young citizens prepared for college, career and life success."
The phase two grant funds will be used to expand Jump Start, the state's innovative career and technical education program, said State Superintendent of Education John White. "These funds will allow our state to build upon Jump Start's strong foundation, expanding opportunities and resources that enable our students to earn the industry credentials they need to attain employment in Louisiana's most important industries."
“THE HEART OF ESSA: REFLECT ON RESULTS, PLAN AND PRIORITIZE, AND FUND PRIORITIES”
~~“Career education access: Louisiana developed a career education initiative, Jump Start, as well as a diverse course delivery program known as Course Choice. Using funds won through the New Skills for Youth grant, Louisiana conducted an inventory of every pathway offered in every high school in the state. Further grant funding will in part go toward bolstering connections among employers, higher education, and high schools. Students with disabilities eligible to pursue a high school diploma via an alternate pathway may also select a Jump Start pathway to earn a career diploma and a recognized workforce credential. All Jump Start pathways are accessible to these students, with the student’s IEP team setting alternate exit and performance criteria.”
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) believes that it is time to improve employment outcomes for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Louisiana.
What is Employment First?
Over the last few years the term “Employment First” has become widely used to describe how state and local systems across the country articulate the values and philosophy which support employment services available to individuals and families.
An “Employment First” approach means integrated individual employment is offered before other service options, and that community employment is supported as the priority outcome in policy, practice, and quality management.
The OCDD believes that individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities have the right to work and through partnerships, vision, and creativity, perceived or real barriers to employment can be overcome.
The OCDD believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities CAN work and contribute to their community, when given the opportunity, training, and supports that build on their strengths.
“LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POSTS DRAFT ESSA PLAN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT”
~~“ESSA's provisions become effective July 1, 2017. Per the law, the United States Secretary of Education must approve or deny a plan within 120 days of a state submitting its plan to the U.S. Department of Education. Because completion of the plan prior to the start of the school year in which it becomes effective is critically important for Louisiana administrators, educators and parents, Louisiana commenced public development of its plan more than a year in advance of the law taking effect.”
