LaCAN (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now)

Do you, a family member or friend . . .

• have a developmental disability or a mental illness?

• receive individualized or community based services or are waiting  to receive these services?

• believe it is unfair that thousands of citizens who need individualized community services are unable to get them?

If so, you should become a LaCAN team member to join with others in educating policymakers about the need for, and benefits of, individualized community services.

LaCAN (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now) is the statewide grassroots network of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and consists of individuals, families and advocates who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a service system that supports individuals with disabilities living in their own homes rat her than having to be segregated from their communities in a facility to receive needed services. LaCAN members are organized into regional teams and are contacted by email or phone when communication with state policy makers is necessary.

LaCAN's Guiding Principles:

Children, regardless of the severity of their disability, need family and enduring relationships with adults in a nurturing home environment.  As with all children, children with developmental disabilities need families and family relationships to develop to their fullest potential.

Adults with developmental disabilities should be afforded the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and to live in typical homes and communities where they can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens.

What You Can Do

Become a LaCAN member! NO DUES. NO FEES.

You can help your family and others by joining the LaCAN Team in your region and participating in its advocacy efforts. Increased membership is needed for success in gaining increased funding for individual and family supports. Waiting lists for all components of the Community and Family Support System are very long. If you feel frustrated when needed services and supports are not available, joining LaCAN is something you can do to help change the situation.

To join the LaCAN Team in your region, visit www.lacanadvocates.org or call 1-800-450-8108.



LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE:

The Legislative session is quickly coming to a close. The Senate Finance committee heard testimony on Saturday from LaCAN members who are in favor of additional NOW Waiver slots and downsizing of developmental centers. To watch video from Saturday's hearing, go to: http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Finance/archives/2010/video.htm.
The LaCAN portion starts at 1:06:35 minutes into the video and ends at 1:47:10. Very powerful and informative.

 

 

Today is
February 6, 2012