How to Apply

Acadiana Area Human Services District – Developmental Disabilities (AAHSD-DD) serves as the Single Point of Entry for people with developmental disabilities who are seeking supports or services through Louisiana Department of Health. It is our intention to make the application process friendly, informative, and focused on meeting your needs and desires. To apply for entry into the system or to get additional information regarding developmental disabilities services, please contact the AAHSD and staff will assist.

In order to qualify for supports and services, you must have a developmental disability as defined by the Developmental Disability Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes 28:451-455.  A developmental disability means either:

1. A severe, chronic disability of a person that:
   • Is attributable to an intellectual or physical impairment or combination of intellectual and physical impairments.
   • Is manifested before the person reaches age twenty-two.
   • Is likely to continue indefinitely.
   • Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
     1.  Self-care.
     2. Receptive and expressive language.
     3. Learning.
     4. Mobility.
     5. Self-direction.
     6. Capacity for independent living.
     7. Economic self-sufficiency.
   • Is not attributed solely to mental illness.
   • Reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated, or
2. A substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition in a person from birth through age nine which, without services and support, has a high probability of resulting in those criteria listed in #1 above later in life that may be considered to be a developmental disability

LDH Links:

• Louisiana Department of Health: https://ldh.la.gov/
• OCDD:  https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/11/n/329
• Services and Programs: https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/136/n/138
• Early Steps:  https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/139/n/139
• Medicaid Services:  https://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/1/n/331
• Families Helping Families of Acadiana:  https://www.fhfacadiana.org/