Where to Start-Louisiana

LOUISIANA EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM

EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers aged birth to three years (36 months) who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays. Children with delays in cognitive, motor, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional or adaptive development may be eligible for services. EarlySteps services are designed to improve the family's capacity to enhance their child's development. These services are provided in the child's natural environment, such as the child's home, child care or any other community setting typical for children aged birth to 3 years (36 months).

Rebecca Bass Program Director – Region 1 - New Orleans Area: Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard

PH: 504.595.3408 1.877.595.3408
FX: 504.595.3158
EMAIL: earlystepsr1@laeasterseals.com
ADDRESS: 1010 Common, Suite 2000, New Orleans, LA 70112

       
Brian Jakes, Jr. Program Manager – Region 2 - Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana

PH: 225.925.2426 1.866.925.2426
FX: 225.925.1370
EMAIL: ahecbpj@I-55.com
ADDRESS: 3060 Teddy Drive, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

       
Brian Jakes, Jr. Program Manager – Region 3 - Assumption, La Fourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne

PH: 985.447.6550 1.866.891.9044
FX: 985.447.6513
EMAIL: ahecbpj@I-55.com
ADDRESS: 602 Parish Road, Thibodaux, LA 70301

       
Mary F. Hockless CEO – Region 4 - Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, VermillionPH: 337.359.8748 1.866.494.8900
FX: 337.359.8747
EMAIL: teamfsrc@bellsouth.net
ADDRESS: 138 East Main Street, Suite 4, New Iberia, LA 70560

       
Mary F. Hockless CEO – Region 5 - Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis

PH: 337.359.8748 1.866.494.8900
FX: 337.359.8747
EMAIL: teamfsrc@bellsouth.net
ADDRESS: 138 East Main Street, Suite 4, New Iberia, LA 70560

       
Patricia Dufrene Program Supervisor – Region 6 -Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn

PH: 318.640.7078 1.866.445.7672
FX: 318.640.5799
EMAIL: trishspoe6@yahoo.com
ADDRESS: 2840 Military Highway, Suite B, Pineville, LA 71360

       
Kim Williams Supervisor – Region 7 -Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, WebsterPH: 318.226.8038 1.866.676.1695
FX: 318.425.8295
EMAIL: kim.spoe@gmail.com
ADDRESS: 2620 Centenary Blvd., Building 2, Suite 249, Shreveport, LA 71104

       
Lorri Chipman FHF of Northeast LA – Region 8 - Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll 

PH: 318.361.0487
FX: 318.361.0417
EMAIL: lchipman@fhfnela.org
ADDRESS: 5200 Northeast Road, Monroe, LA 71203

       
Brian Jakes, Jr. Program Manager – Region 9 - Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington

PH: 985.429.1252 1.866.640.0238
FX: 985.429.1613
EMAIL: ahecbpj@I-55.com
ADDRESS: 1302 J.W. Davis Drive, Hammond, LA 70403

       
Brian Jakes, Jr. Program Manager – Region 10 - Jefferson

PH: 504.496.0165 1.866.296.0718
FX: 504.496.0167
EMAIL: ahecbpj2i-55.com
ADDRESS: 1321 26th St., Kenner, LA 70026 

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/139/n/139
https://www.laeikids.com/

Louisiana Part C Early Intervention

http://www.eikids.com/la/matrix/

EASTER SEALS:

Easter Seals Louisiana is a non-profit, community-based health agency whose mission is to help children and adults with disabilities achieve independence through a variety of programs and services.

You can also reach Easter Seals Louisiana at the following numbers:

(504) 523-7325 (voice)

800) 695-7325 (toll-free)

(504) 523-3465 (fax)

Or via regular mail at:

1010 Common Street, Suite 2000
New Orleans, LA 70112-1617
http://louisiana.easterseals.com
  

MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM:

Contact and descriptions for all Louisiana Medicaid 1915 (c) HCBS Waivers, 2008
http://www.pascenter.org/state_based_stats/medicaid_waivers_info.php?state=louisiana

Available services for children and youth with developmental disabilites.
http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/320

Mailing Address: Department of Health & Hospitals | P. O. Box 629 | Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629
Physical Address: 628 N. 4th Street | Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | PHONE: 225.342.9500 | FAX: 225.342.5568

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/320
 

TEFRA: (Tax, Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982)

Under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA), states may provide Medicaid coverage to children with severe disabilities, disregarding their family income, if these children require care at an institutional (hospital, nursing home or intermediate care facility) level.

When a child receives extended care in an institutional setting, family income is disregarded as a qualification for Medicaid. The TEFRA State Plan Option makes it possible to do the same for a family whose child requires care at the level provided in an institution, but who choose to care for their child at home. Currently, 18 states and the District of Columbia have chosen to implement the TEFRA State Plan Option. Because states vary widely in the availability of institutional care for children and the clinical criteria for admitting children to these institutions, the numbers of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) who receive Medicaid benefits under this option also varies widely from state to state.

Please check with your state office to see if TEFRA is offered in your state.

LOUISIANA CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

The Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program, or LaCHIP, provides health care to uninsured children up to age 19. It is a no-cost health program that pays for children’s hospital care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, shots and more. Learn more about what LaCHIP covers.

LaCHIP Processing Office

P. O. Box 91278

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9278

Fax: 1-877-LA FAX US (1-877-523-2987)

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/222

GENETICS

Louisiana Office of Public Health genetics clinics provide services as genetic testing, counseling, education, treatment, and referral for those who have or are at risk for genetic disorders.  Private genetics may offer services in your area.  Please consult your physician.

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/773

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF ACADIANA

The Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana provides support to persons with Down syndrome, their families and friends through networking, promotion of positive public awareness, information sharing and advocacy.

P.O. Box 81323, Lafayette, LA 70508

337-234-3109

mvenable@dsaa.info

http://www.dsaa.info/

DS AWARENESS GROUP OF BATON ROUGE

The Down Syndrome Awareness Group (DSAG) membership consists of parents, professionals and others concerned with Down syndrome. The group is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization governed solely by the members.

Goals Are:• to provide parent support;
• to promote a better understanding of Down syndrome to the general public;
• to work to promote social conditions that allow the full growth and potential of children and adults with Down syndrome and improve their quality of life.

P.O. Box 82378, Baton Rouge, LA 70884

215-937-1216 (Louis)

dsagbr@gmail.com

louisl@demco.org

www.dsagbr.org

UP4DOWNS OF SWLA INC.

The mission of UP 4 DOWN’S OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA, INC. is to be a driving force in the Southwest Louisiana community in generating acceptance and belonging of individuals with Down syndrome. It is our strong desire to encourage a society in which people with Down syndrome can involve themselves in community activities and be assisted in their development of the skills necessary to do so.

110 E. 3rd St., Iowa, LA 70647

337-582-6138

337-309-7530

dseaux@up4downswla.org

downhome214@centurytel.net

www.up4downswla.org

DS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS

DSAGNO is a 501c3 support, information and advocacy organization. Through their membership, they provide support to new parents, self-advocates, family and friends of individuals with Down syndrome. Through their publications, web site, meetings and events, they provide the most current information to their membership and others interested in Down syndrome topics. Through their advocacy effort, DSAGNO members work to elevate the community's understanding of those issues so that children, youth and adults have the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential in all aspects of life.

P.O. Box 23453 New Orleans, Louisiana 70183-3453
Phone: (504) 259-6201 http://www.dsagno.org/home.htm

CENLA DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION

The mission of Cenla Down Syndrome Association is 

to support and connect families in Central Louisiana who have been blessed with a child or other family member who has Down syndrome, to encourage and support families who have received a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome, and to promote AWARENESS, ADVOCACY, and ACCEPTANCE of Down syndrome in Central Louisiana.

125 Fairmount Street, Pineville, LA 71360

info@cenladsa.org

http://www.cenladsa.org/

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cenla-Down-Syndrome-Association/275536836430

UP WITH DOWNS

Up With Downs is a non-profit family support group dedicated to improving the lives and livelihoods of those with Down syndrome. We hope this site provides you with information and inspiration. We are an active group, with regularly scheduled meetings and events for our members.

450 Railsback Road, Shreveport, LA 71106

318-797-8575

upwithdowns@hotmail.com

www.upwithdowns.com

BLESSED BY DOWNS SUPPORT GROUP OF NE/SE LA

BLESSED BY DOWNS...

is a group that supports parents & families with individuals who were born with Down syndrome.
  They are committed to creating positive change for the future of their loved ones.
They are also committed to saving babies from being aborted simply because they
MAY be born with Down syndrome & supporting parents who choose to adopt children with Down syndrome.
They are committed to educating the general public on the FACTS about Down syndrome.
Their group is continuing to grow as they reach out to theiur communities to promote the value, awareness, acceptance and inclusion for our loved ones born with Down syndrome!
They want to extend our support to you and/or anyone you may know,
who could benefit from their group in any way.

145 Diamond T. Road
Winnsboro, La 71295
318-722-0011Sheri@BlessedByDowns.com

http://www.blessedbydowns.org/

NORTHSHORE FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES CENTER

Northshore Families Helping Families is a family-driven resource center that serves the greater Northshore area. In 1989, the Louisiana legislature enacted the Community and Family Support Act in response to a grassroots effort by parents seeking resources for their children with disabilities. In 1992-1993, Families Helping Families resource centers opened around the state.

The centers are unique to Louisiana. Every staff member in our office has a family member with a disability, or is a self-advocate. In addition, a majority of our board members must have a family member with a disability. We serve individuals with disabilities throughout the lifespan, from initial diagnosis through adulthood.

info@fhfnorthshore.org   

(985) 875-0511

204 West 21st Avenue Covington, LA 70433  

Toll Free: 1-800-383-8700

http://www.fhfnorthshore.org/

THE ARC OF LOUISIANA

Mission: The Arc of Louisiana advocates with and for all people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families so that they shall live to their fullest potential.

606 Colonial Drive, Suite G
Baton Rouge, La. 70806

Office 1.866.966.6260 | 1.225.383.1033

info@thearcla.org

http://www.thearcla.org/