People First of Louisiana

08/03/2026

07/24/2026

St.Tammany, check out this training! 👇🏻

🧰 St. Tammany Parish, Let's Prepare With Confidence! 🧰

Join us for St. Tammany Parish's Disability Disaster Preparedness Workshop! Learn practical, disability-specific strategies to help you and your family prepare before, during, and after disasters.

📅 Saturday, August 8 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Madisonville Library (1123 Main Street, Madisonville, LA)
🔗 tinyurl.com/StTammany080826

This FREE workshop is designed by and for people with disabilities and welcomes the disability community, older adults, caregivers, family members, service providers, and anyone interested in inclusive emergency preparedness.

You'll learn about:
✅ Personal preparedness planning
✅ Disability-specific considerations
✅ Understanding weather reports
✅ Sheltering and pets
✅ St. Tammany Parish resources
✅ And more!

🍽️ Lunch will be provided while you explore community resource tables and connect with local organizations.

A huge thank you to ALL of the community members, partner organizations, local agencies, and presenters helping coordinate this event and support a more prepared and connected St. Tammany Parish community. 💙

07/22/2026

Thank you, Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana!

07/18/2026

Did you live in the affected areas of tropical storm Author? Check out the flyer below to see if you are eligible for assistance through FEMA.

🏠 FEMA Assistance Available for Survivors with Disabilities 🏠

If you live in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany, or Terrebonne Parish and your home was damaged by Tropical Storm Arthur, FEMA may be able to help pay for accessibility improvements if you or someone in your household has a disability.

Examples of items that may be covered include:
✅ Exterior ramps
✅ Grab bars
✅ Paved paths from your vehicle to your home

To qualify, the accessibility item must:
✱ Be necessary to make the home safe and functional & meet the accessibility need.
✱ Not be covered by insurance or another funding source.

📲 Need to apply or learn more?
🔹 Apply online at disasterassistance.gov,
🔹 Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362,
🔹 Download the FEMA Mobile App, or
🔹 Find a nearby Disaster Recovery Center at FEMA.gov/DRC.

⏩ Watch FEMA's accessible application video — Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance: youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

👉 For additional information about this disaster declaration, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4927

Please help us share this information with anyone who may benefit. 💙

07/18/2026

Join us at the Empowerment Through Employment Conference on Tuesday, July 28th from 9am to 4pm!

This FREE Virtual Conference is presented by Bayou Land Families Helping Families, Statewide Independent Living Council of Louisiana, LSU Health New Orleans , Disability Rights Louisiana, and the Louisiana Department of Health Office for Citizens With Developmental Disabilities.

Join us as we cover important topics and provide clear, practical answers to questions like:

• When should I begin planning for my child's future employment?
• What meaningful job opportunities are available for individuals with disabilities?
• How could working affect my benefits?
• What if I need assistive technology or equipment to do my job?
• What programs and supports are available to help with education and employment?

…and much more!

GET THE INFORMATION, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT YOU NEED TO PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE.

Register today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ub12ahEyTHyasoGC3VuG8A #/registration

Learn more: https://www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu/News1/2026-06-22_empowerment-through-employment-conference.aspx

07/16/2026

We are excited to welcome Families for Inclusion as a new collaborator with People First of Louisiana!

Their mission is to make Southwest Louisiana more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, and we are thrilled to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and empowering people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities.

We look forward to working together to create positive change throughout Southwest Louisiana and beyond.

Please join us in welcoming Families for Inclusion by visiting and following their page and checking out their website to learn more about their important work. Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone!

💙❤️Welcome, Families for Inclusion, we're excited about what we can accomplish together!

07/15/2026

This Disability Pride Month, remember: inclusion starts with respect. Small actions and thoughtful communication can help create a more welcoming community for everyone.

07/10/2026

We are so grateful to the Lake Charles Mayor’s Commission on Disability for inviting our People First Lake Charles Advisor, George Swift, to present at yesterday’s meeting.

George shared a presentation on accessible parking challenges in Lake Charles, and we are encouraged by the positive response from the Commission. Members expressed a genuine interest in working collaboratively to address these concerns and improve accessible parking throughout the community.

Thank you to the Commission for the opportunity to share George’s perspective and for your commitment to making Lake Charles more accessible for everyone!

07/06/2026

FYI Rate Study meeting has been rescheduled!

OIDD has rescheduled the Rate Study Meeting for July 17th at 9am. You can attend in person or virtually. See memo below