Resources | Acadiana Area Human Services District

The Advocacy Center
The Advocacy Center is Louisiana’s protection and advocacy system. Federal law requires that a protection and advocacy system operate in every state to protect the rights of persons with mental or physical disabilities. Services provided by the Center include legal representation, information and referral, outreach and training.

Thanks to funding from the Developmental Disabilities Council, the AC is able to focus special attention to people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who do not have access to natural supports or caring providers may be eligible to receive assistance from the AC. For more information, visit https://www.advocacyla.org/index.php/home.html

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters.
https://www.redcross.org/

CARF International
The mission of CARF is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served.
https://www.carf.org

Louisiana Department of Health
DHH maintains health and medical services for disease prevention. DHH supervises, coordinates and provides facilities for mental health, addictive disorders, developmental disabilities, public health services, and Medicaid services.
https://ldh.la.gov/

Early Steps
EarlySteps is Louisiana’s Early Intervention System under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C. EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers from birth to three years (36 months) who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays.
https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/139/n/139

Families Helping Families
Staff members at Families Helping Families (FHF) typically have someone in their lives who has a disability or they themselves have a disability. FHF looks forward to helping families recreate their lives by making them aware of the services that are available.
www.fhfacadiana.org

Lafayette City-Parish
Click on the link below to view the official website for Lafayette City-Parish Government.
https://www.lafayettela.gov/

Parish Public School Systems
Here are links for the public school systems in our service area:

Louisiana Kids’ Dashboard
This website contains important information on Healthcare, Education, and Well-Being for children in Louisiana.
https://www.kidsdashboard.la.gov/

Louisiana Medicaid
Louisiana’s Medicaid Program provides a complete package of medical coverage for those who qualify. Louisiana Medicaid pays health care providers directly for all covered services, after all other medical insurances, including Medicare, have paid.
https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/1/n/10

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) assists persons with disabilities in their desire to obtain or maintain employment and/or achieve independence in their communities by providing rehabilitation services and working cooperatively with business and other community resources.
https://www.laworks.net/WorkforceDev/LRS/LRS_Main.asp

Magellan of Louisiana
This website provides persons receiving behavioral health services and their families, providers, advocates and community members with information and resources related to mental health support, substance abuse, depression and co-occurring disorders. The Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership, managed by Magellan Health Services in Louisiana also provides information to help direct persons to the provider that will best assist them with their needs.
https://www.magellanoflouisiana.com

Mortgage and Home Loan Help Guide for the Disabled
This guide has been created to help individuals living with disabilities, and their family members, in the process of buying a home of their own. Here you can learn more about the five important steps in buying a home and about financial assistance programs that are available for you living with disabilities, who want to buy a home.
https://www.mortgageloan.com/disabilities/

National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.
https://www.nami.org

Nursing Home Abuse
NursingHomeAbuse.net exists to raise awareness of the nursing home abuse epidemic, educate the public about its causes, help residents and families prevent abuse, and help victims cope with the consequences of nursing home abuse.
https://www.nursinghomeabuse.net/

Office of Behavioral Health
The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) ensures care and support to improve quality of life for people with mental illness and addictive disorders.
https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/10/n/6

Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) provides quality services and supports, information, and opportunities for choice to people of Louisiana with developmental disabilities and their families.
https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/11/n/8

Social Security Administration
Official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
https://www.ssa.gov/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) focuses on building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders.
https://www.samhsa.gov/

The Extra Mile
The Extra Mile (TEM) is a statewide network of professional staff and volunteers dedicated to enhancing and enriching the quality of life for all persons served by public human service agencies.
https://www.theextramileregioniv.com