P.O. Box Direct: (800) Baton Rouge, La Fax: (225)

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1 Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. P.O. Box Direct: (800) Baton Rouge, La Fax: (225) Website: RESOURCE GUIDE Disclaimer: Autism Society Louisiana State Chapter created this resource book as a service to families as a reference tool. Autism Society Louisiana State Chapter does not endorse or claim to have personal knowledge of the abilities of those listed. The resources listed in these pages are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. Users are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with diagnosis or treatment of autism, or the provision of services related to autism. Because these resources are constantly changing, please be aware that the contact information for any given person or agency may change by the time you attempt to utilize the resource. We encourage your input. If there is a professional, parent group, government agency, etc. whom you would like to include in our next publication, please contact us.

2 Table of Contents Introduction Autism Society, Louisiana Regionals.. 5 Autism General Information. 6-7 National Resources Louisiana State Department of Education Special Populations Offices by region Early Steps Louisiana State Government Agencies Offices of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Eligibility requirements by region Children s Special Health Services by region Early Steps Medicaid Waiver Information/Medicaid Dental Coverage Vocational/Rehabilitative Services by region LaChip Offices of Mental Health by region Social Services Private Non-Profit Agencies Access to Meaningful Employment (ACME) Family and Youth Counseling Agency St. Mary s Residential Training Facility Chartwell Center St Nicholas Center for Early Intervention Autism Learning Center Families Helping Families Louisiana Citizens for Action Now (LaCan) Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LaTAN) Project Prompt Information and Parent Training For- Profit Agencies, Businesses and Practitioners Evaluators Family Counseling/Child and Family Therapy Genetics Attorneys Physicians/Psychologists/Psychiatrists Neurologists/Neuropsychology Ophthalmologists Pediatrics Speech/ Language Pathology/Audiology Occupation/Physical Therapy Pharmacies Dentistry Applied Behavioral Analysis/Social Skills Gaitway Therapeutic Horsemanship Law and Legal Assistance Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Advocacy Center Additional Resources Baton Rouge New Orleans Additional Information and Resources Emergency Information and Resources

3 Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. This Resource Guide is furnished to you by the Autism Society- Louisiana State Chapter Inc. We contact sources from around the state to compile resource information that may be beneficial to individuals with ASD in Louisiana. Because these resources are constantly changing, please be aware that the contact information for any given person or agency may change by the time you attempt to utilize the resource. We encourage your input. If there is a professional, parent group, government agency, etc. whom you would like to include in our next publication, please contact us at the number below. Hopefully, this Resource Guide will be helpful to you. Use it as a starting point in your quest for services to meet your needs. Compiled By: Pat Giamanco, Administrative Assistant Autism Society- Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA (800) autismsociety_lastatechapter@yahoo.com Disclaimer: Autism Society Louisiana State Chapter created this resource guide as a service to families as a reference tool. This organization does not endorse or claim to have personal knowledge of the abilities of those listed. The resources listed in these pages are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. Users are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with diagnosis or treatment of autism, or the provision of services related to autism. Because these resources are constantly changing, please be aware that the contact information for any given person or agency may change by the time you attempt to utilize the resource. We encourage your input. If there is a professional, parent group, government agency, etc. whom you would like to include in our next publication, please contact us. 3

4 Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. About Us Autism Society is the oldest and largest grassroots organization within the autism community. Autism Society -Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. is a coalition of regional Louisiana chapters of the Autism Society providing a network of families who offer support and experience. For over thirty five years, Autism Society - Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. has been providing information and referrals, advocacy and support for parents and individuals with autism. We help families identify qualified professionals in their community and assist them in securing benefits and services provided by law. We promote lifelong opportunities for persons with autism spectrum disorder in order to be fully included members of their communities. In addition, we provide biennial statewide conferences in which national and local professionals in the field of autism present current information. Our organization works to assist families with autism during times of emergency to the extent possible. We collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of Health and Hospitals and other agencies to bring assistance to families as needed. You will find additional information on our website: or contact us by phone: (800) or autismsociety_lastatechapter@yahoo.com. 4

5 Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. Chapters in Louisiana LOUISIANA STATE CHAPTER P.O. Box 80162, Baton Rouge, LA (800) Direct (225) Fax ACADIAN Contact: 3108 Pinhook Rd. P. O. Box 4762 Lafayette, LA Monroe, LA NORTHEAST Contact: Anna Keith Foy (337) (318) BATON ROUGE NORTHWEST Contact: Beryl Hebert Contact: Stacy Camp Arlingford Avenue 9188 Summer Place Baton Rouge, LA Greenwood, LA (225) (318) BAYOU SOUTHWEST Contact: Dawn Spinella Contact: Audra Grindol 121 Callin Court P.O. Box 1806 Morgan City, LA Lake Charles, LA (985) (337) GREATER NEW ORLEANS Contact: Kathy Dwyer P.O. Box New Orleans, LA (504)

6 What is Autism? Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today. AUTISM FACTS Based on prevalence statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009). 1 in 110 births Fastest-growing developmental disability Growth comparison during the 1990s o U.S. population increase: 13% o Disabilities increase: 16% o Autism increase: 172% o Approximately 1 in 70 Boys 6

7 WHAT CAUSES AUTISM? There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in autistic versus non-autistic children. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. In many families, there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting a genetic basis to the disorder. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a susceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single "trigger" that causes autism to develop. Other researchers are investigating the possibility that under certain conditions, a cluster of unstable genes may interfere with brain development resulting in autism. Still other researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals. Autism tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). Some harmful substances ingested during pregnancy also have been associated with an increased risk of autism. Early in 2002, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) prepared a literature review of hazardous chemical exposures and autism and found no compelling evidence for an association; however, there was very limited research and more needs to be done. The question of a relationship between vaccines and autism continues to be debated. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, a committee concluded that the "evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship... between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD)." The committee acknowledged, however, that "they could not rule out" the possibility that the MMR vaccine could contribute to ASD in a small number of children. While other researchers agree the data does not support a link between the MMR and autism, more research is clearly needed. Whatever the cause, it is clear that children with autism and PDD are born with the disorder or born with the potential to develop it. It is not caused by bad parenting. Autism is not a mental illness. Children with autism are not unruly kids who choose not to behave. Furthermore, no known psychological factors in the development of the child have been shown to cause autism. 7

8 National Resources Autism Society 4340 East-West Hwy Suite 350 Bethesda, MD (800) (301) Information and referral, Advocate newsletter, nationwide chapter network, annual national conference on autism, government relations, mail order bookstore. Autism Research Institute 4182 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA (866) (619) The Autism Research Institute (ARI), a non-profit organization, was established in For more than 40 years, ARI has devoted its work to conducting research, and to disseminating the results of research, on the triggers of autism and on methods of diagnosing and treating autism. We provide research-based information to parents and professionals around the world. MAPPS Services, Inc. P.O. Box 524 Crown Point, IN (219) info@maapservices.org MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and advice to families of More advanced individuals with Autism, Asperger syndrome, and Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). 8

9 National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities NICHCY P.O. Box 1492 Washington, DC (800) National central source of information on disabilities in children and research-based information on effective educational practices. Autism Source Autism Society s on-line referral database. Search nationwide autism-related services and supports by location or service type. Autism Source, created in 2004, is the most comprehensive database of its kind. ASA strives to offer only credible and reliable resources to our constituents, therefore we have employed our nationwide network of chapters and collaborated with other autism organizations and professionals throughout the U.S. It is because of these collaborative relationships that Autism Source continues to grow and is kept current with comprehensive resource listings. 9

10 Louisiana State Department of Education Department of Education P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA Division Director Division of Special Populations Louisiana State Department of Education P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA Robyn Hargrave State Supervisor for Autism Louisiana State Department of Education Division of Education Improvement and Assistance P.O. Box Baton Rouge, Louisiana (225) (225) (FAX) State Education Agency - Rural Dept. of Education Special Education Inclusion Education/IEP/IDEA Division of Special Populations P.O. Box 599 Department of Education Rayville, LA P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA Programs for Infants & Toddlers with Disabilities Ages Birth to Three (3) Division of Special Populations Programs for children with disabilities Department of Education Ages 3 Through 5 Infant/Toddler Program Preschool Programs, Special Populations P.O. Box LA Dept. of Education Baton Rouge, LA (225) State Coordinator of Vocational Education For students with disabilities division of Student Standards and Assessment LA Department of Education P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA (225) More information: MyChild ( )

11 10 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE CENTERS (RESC) Region I Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles 8348 Highway 23 Belle Chasse, LA Fax Region II East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, City of Bogalusa Southeastern La University SLU Hammond, LA Fax Region III Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne Nicholls State University P.O. Box 2037 Thibodaux, LA Fax Region IV Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion 1405 W. Pinhook Rd. Suite 102 Lafayette, LA Fax Region V Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis 314 Broad St. 2 nd Floor Lake Charles, LA Fax Region VI Avoyelles, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, Winn Northwestern State University Teacher Education Center Pod C Room 247 Tarlton Dr. Natchitoches, LA Region VII Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, Webster 8675 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA Region VIII Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, West Monroe, City of Monroe P.O. Box 1616 West Monroe, LA Fax Adminstrative Unit Regional Education Service Center LA Department of Education Fax 11

12 Louisiana State Government Agencies LOUISIANA STATE RESOURCES GOVERNOR P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities: The Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities OCDD is an office of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. OCDD provides services through eight (8) Community Services Regional Offices. OCDD is also responsible for the administration and supervision of nine (9) developmental centers and thirteen (13) associated community homes. Services available though OCDD include: Support Coordination to assist individuals to obtain OCDD services or services available in their community. Individual and Family Support Supports are tailored to enable the family to maintain their family member with a developmental disability in the home. This may include dental or medical services, respite care, recreation, transportation, personal care services, equipment and supplies, counseling services, crisis intervention, parent education and training. Cash Subsidy A flat monthly stipend is provided to families of children aged birth through seventeen (17) with severe developmental disabilities. Vocational and Habilitative Services services include supported employment, group models of community-based work, facility-based work and habilitative services, daily life skills, behavior management. Early Intervention Community-based services are provided to individuals aged birth to thirty-six (36) months. Services may include family training, counseling and home visits, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, and social work services. Supported Living An array of residential settings are designed to allow recipients to acquire the skills necessary to live as independently as possible. Extended Family Living Substitute family care in the home of non-related individuals is provided. ICF/MR Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded are offered. 12

13 Definition of Developmental Disability Eligibility Requirements A severe, chronic disability that is: Attributable to o Mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism or; o Any other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to mental retardation, because this conditions results in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of mentally retarded persons, or requires treatment or service similar to those required for these persons. Manifested before the person reaches age 22 Likely to continue indefinitely Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activities: o Self-care o Understanding and use of language o Learning o Mobility o Self-direction o Capacity for independent living 13

14 To access services, contact your Regional OCDD Office: REGION I includes Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities 1010 Common St., Suite 550 New Orleans, LA (504) REGION III includes Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, Terrebonne, St. Mary Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities 690 W. First Street Thibodeaux, LA (985) REGION II includes Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Capital Area Human Services District/ Developmental Disabilities (225) Governments Street #2 Baton Rouge, LA REGION IV includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities 214 Jefferson St., Suite 301 Lafayette, LA (337) REGION V includes Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis Office for Citizens with Development Disabilities th Avenue, Suite C-2 Lake Charles, LA (337) REGION VI includes Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn Office for Citizens with Development Disabilities 429 Murray St., Suite B Alexandria, LA (318) REGION VII includes Bienville, Caddo, Webster, Sabine, Claiborne, Red River, Natchitoches, DeSoto Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities 3018 Old Minden Road, Suite 1211 Bossier City, LA (318) REGION VIII includes East Carroll, West Carroll, Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Morehouse, Ouachita, Union, Richland, Madison, Lincoln, Tensas Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities 1222 St. John St., Room 343 Monroe, LA (318)

15 REGION IX includes Tangipahoa, St. Tammany*, Livingston, Washington, St, Helena Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) 835 Pride Drive Hammond, LA (985) REGION X includes Jefferson Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority/ Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities 3101 W. Napoleon Ave., Suite S140 Metairie, LA (504)

16 Children s Special Health Services Provides diagnostic and treatment services for eligible children who have certain chronic physical illnesses or serious disabilities causing (or likely to cause) impairments that could significantly limit major life activities. Services provided may include medical evaluation, parent counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and genetic service. To access these services, contact your local parish health unit. REGIONAL OFFICES: REGION I includes Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines Children s Special Health Services 200 Henry Clay Ave., Room 214 New Orleans, LA (504) REGION III includes Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, Terrebonne, St. Mary* Children s Special Health Services 253 Veterans Blvd. Thibodeaux, LA (985) REGION V includes Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis REGION II includes Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Children s Special Health Services 353 N. 12 th Street Baton Rouge, LA (225) REGION IV includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion Children s Special Health Services 220 W. Willow St. Bld. A Lafayette, LA (337) REGION VI includes Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn Children s Special Health Services 707A Prien Lake Road Lake Charles, LA (337) Children s Special Health Services 5604 A Colliseum Blvd. Alexandria, LA (318) REGION VII includes Bienville, Caddo, Webster, Sabine, Claiborne, Red River, Natchitoches, DeSoto Children s Special Health Services 1035 Creswell Avenue Shreveport, LA (318) REGION VIII includes East Carroll, West Carroll, Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Morehouse, Ouachita, Union, Richland, Madison, Lincoln*, Tensas Children s Special Health Services 2913 DeSiarz St. Monroe, LA (318) REGION IX includes Tangipahoa, St. Tammany*, Livingston, Washington, St., Helena Children s Special Health Services P.O. Box 310 Greensburg, LA (225) REGION X includes Jefferson* *If you live in this parish and your child is served by Children s Special Health Services, your regional office is as follows: Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes use the Region I office in New Orleans; St. Mary parish uses the region IV office in Lafayette; Lincoln parish uses the Region VII office in Shreveport. 16

17 Early Steps The program, run through DHH s Office of Public Health, helps children birth to age three and their families. Early Steps aims to help children who have conditions that might lead to a disability and also helps children who appear to have cognitive, physical, communication, social, emotional or behavioral developmental delays. Early Steps offers special services tailored to each family that help stimulate each child and enhance his or her development. The Early Steps program will run a statewide ad campaign from Dec. 29 through Feb. 4 to let parents and families know about the program and offer them more information. For more information on the Early Steps program, please contact the Early Steps office at (504) or visit the program Web site at 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. What Services Are Provided for EarlySteps? 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, place of daycare, or any other community setting typical for children aged birth to 3 years (36 months Services include Assistive technology Audiology Health Services (family education, assistance with other Early Steps services only) Medical Services (for evaluation only) Nutrition Services Occupational Therapy Services Physical Therapy Services Psychological Services Service Coordination Social Work Services Special Instruction Speech Language Pathology Transportation (to and from an Early Steps service only) Translation Interpreter Services (foreign language and sign language) Vision Services 17

18 Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Early Steps System Points of Entry (SPOE)--Referrals DHH SPOE Parish Contractor-Information Region 1 Easter Seals of Louisiana Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines Rebecca Baas, Program Director 1010 Common Suite 2000 New Orleans, LA Phone (504) Fax (504) Toll Free: (877) earlystepsr1@laeasterseals.com 2 Southeast Louisiana Area Health Education Center 3 Southeast Louisiana Area Health Education Center 4 First Steps Referral and Consulting LLC 5 First Steps Referral and Consulting LLC 6 Families Helping Families at the Crossroads of Louisiana 7 Families Helping Families at the Crossroads of Louisiana East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, Iberville, Ascension Assumption, St. John, St. Charles, St. James, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, Vermillion, St. Landry, Evangeline, Acadia Beauregard, Jefferson Davis, Allen, Cameron, Calcasieu Vernon, Rapides, Winn, Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Avoyelles Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Bienville, Natchitoches, Sabine, DeSoto, Red River 18 Brian Jakes Jr., Program Manager 3060 Teddy Drive Suite A Baton Rouge, LA Phone (225) Toll Free Fax (225) ahecbpj@i-55.com Brian Jakes Jr., Program Manager 602 Parish Road Thibodaux, LA Phone (985) Toll Free Fax (985) or (866) ahecbpj@i-55.com Mary F. Hockless, CEO 134 East Main Street, Suite 4 New Iberia, LA Phone (337) Toll Free Fax (337) teamfsrc@bellsouth.net Mary F. Hockless, CEO 134 East Main Street, Suite 4 New Iberia, LA Phone (337) Toll Free Fax (337) teamfsrc@bellsouth.net Teresa Harmon, Program Supervisor 2840 Military Highway Suite B Pineville, LA Phone (318) Toll Fee Fax (318) tjharmon891@hotmail.com Rebecca Thornton, Program Supervisor 2620 Centenary Blvd. Bldg. 2 Suite 249 Shreveport, LA Phone (318) Toll Free Fax (318) spoereg7ps@bellsouth.net

19 DHH SPOE Parish Contractor-Information Region 8 Easter Seals of Louisiana Ouachita, Union, Jackson, Lincoln, Caldwell, Morehouse, West Carroll, East Carroll, Richland, Franklin, Tensas, Madison Peyton Fisher, Director 1107 Hudson Lane, Suite B Monroe, LA Phone (318) Toll Free Fax (318) peytonfisher@mac.com 9 Southeast Louisiana Area Health Education Center 10 Southeast Louisiana Area Health Education Center St.Tammany, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington Jefferson Brian Jakes Jr., Program Manager 1302 J.W. Davis Drive Hammond, LA Phone (985) Toll Free Fax (985) ahecbpj@i-55.com Brian Jakes, Jr., Program Manager th St. Kenner, LA Phone (504) Fax (504) Toll Free ahecbpj@i-55.com 19

20 medicaid For a listing of specialists (including dentists) in your area who are enrolled and active in the Medicaid programs, call toll-free: Support Coordination (Case Management) Services - New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) HOW TO ACCESS: Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Waiver Supports and Services ( ) Complaints Line: ( ) ELIGIBILITY: Medicaid recipients. Contact: or Recipient must be in the NOW Waiver. There is a Request for Services Registry (RFSR) for those requesting waiver services. To get on the Request for Services Registry, call the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities District/Authority/Local Regional Office. COVERED SERVICES: Coordination of Medicaid and other services. The Support Coordinator (Case Manager) helps to identify needs, access services and coordinate care. Services available through the waiver are identified in specific waiver sections on this Web site. COMMENTS: Services must be prior authorized by DHH, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Waiver Supports and Services. The provider will submit requests for the Prior Authorization. 20

21 Medicaid Louisiana Waivers The following is a list of all Louisiana 1915(c) Waivers by name - complete with a description, contact information and web link. Waiver target group: MR/DD Waiver name: MR/DD Children's Choice Description: This waiver allows MR/DD children aged 18 and younger who currently live at home or will leave an institution to return home to remain living at home and in the community. Services offered under this waiver include: family support, family training, center-based respite, environmental accessibility adaptations, and emergency response. Contact Information: MR/DD Children's Choice contact information State waiver website: MR/DD Children's Choice website Program Data: No data available for this waiver in Waiver name: New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) Description: This waiver allows MR/DD persons aged 3+ who meet the ICF/MR level of care (and whose MR/DD manifested prior to the age of 22) to remain living at home and in the community. Services offered under this waiver include: environmental accessibility modification, specialized medical equipment and supplies, residential habilitation, supervised independent living, emergency response, and skilled nursing service. Contact Information: New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) contact information State waiver website: New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) website Program Data: No data available for this waiver in Waiver target group: Aged/Disabled Waiver name: Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Description: This waiver allows physically disabled persons aged 22+ who meet the nursing facility level of care to remain living at home and in the community. Services offered under this waiver include: adult day health care, health services, direct care services, social services, nutrition and transportation. Contact Information: (866) State waiver website: Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) website Program Data: Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) 2004 participant data Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) 2004 expenditure data

22 21 Waiver name: Elderly & Disabled Adults (E/DA) Description: This waiver allows the elderly and disabled who meet the nursing facility level of care to remain living at home and in the community. Services offered under this waiver include: personal care attendant, case management, household supports, personal supervision, environmental modifications and transitional services. Contact Information: (866) State waiver website: Elderly & Disabled Adults (E/DA) website Program Data: Elderly & Disabled Adults (E/DA) 2004 participant data Elderly & Disabled Adults (E/DA) 2004 expenditure data Waiver target group: Disabled/Physically Disabled Waiver name: Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Description: This waiver provides personal care assistance to persons with physical disabilities aged who meet the nursing facility level of care and need at least 14 hours of PCA per week so that they may remain living at home and in the community. Contact Information: (222) State waiver website: Personal Care Attendant (PCA) website Program Data: Personal Care Attendant (PCA) 2004 participant data Personal Care Attendant (PCA) 2004 expenditure data Medicaid Waiver Complaint Line: Medicaid Abuse Line: Medicaid Waiver Waiting List Information Line

23 Louisiana Dental Medicaid Dental Services in Louisiana's Public Health Coverage Programs Louisiana Medicaid and the Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP) are sponsored by the federal government and administered by states that is intended to provide health care and health-related services to low-income individuals. In Louisiana, Medicaid is administered through the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). For more information on each of the programs, including information on services covered Medicaid Dental Services: Contact for all ages: The state of Louisiana does have the following programs related to Medicaid dental services: The Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program is the child health component of Medicaid. The EPSDT Dental Program provides coverage of certain diagnostic; preventive; restorative; endodontic; periodontal; removable prosthodontic; maxillofacial prosthetic; oral and maxillofacial surgery; orthodontic; and adjunctive general services. Specific policy guidelines apply. Adult Denture Program - Medicaid recipients 21 years of age and older. Dentures, denture relines, and denture repairs are covered under this program, as well as examination and x-rays in conjunction with the construction of a Medicaid-authorized denture. Expanded Dental Services for Pregnant Women (EDSPW) - Exam; Radiographs (x-rays); Prophylaxis (cleaning); certain restorative services when the location of the cavity to be restored is in an area that impacts the gum tissue and affects the periodontal health of the woman; certain periodontal services; and certain oral and maxillofacial surgery services. The individual must be: 1) Medicaid eligible for full benefits*; 2) age 21 through 59; 3) pregnant and have an original BHSF Form 9-M completed by the medical professional providing pregnancy care. Eligibility for the EDSPW Program ends at the conclusion of the pregnancy. The recipient must be pregnant on each date of service to be eligible for EDSPW Program services. 23

24 Louisiana Vocational/Rehabilitative Services Regional Offices NEW ORLEANS REGION 6620 Riverside Drive, Suite 101 Metairie, LA (504) (office) (504) (fax) 1(800) Parishes Served: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany BATON ROUGE REGION II 3651 Cedarcrest Avenue Baton Rouge, LA Voice or TDD: (225) Parishes Served: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana THIBODAUX REGIONAL OFFICE III III1442 Tiger Drive Thibodaux, LA (985) (office) 1(800) Parishes Served: Assumption, Lafourche, Terrebonne LAFAYETTE REGION IV 825 Kaliste Saloom Rd. Brandywine VI, Suite 350 Lafayette, LA Voice or TDD: (337) , Parishes served: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin St. Mary, Vermilion LAKE CHARLES REGION V 3616 Kirkman St. Lake Charles, LA Voice or TDD: (337) Parishes Served: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis ALEXANDRIA REGION VI 900 Murray Street, Suite H-100 Alexandria, LA Voice or TDD: (318) Parishes Served: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn SHREVEPORT REGION 1525 Fairfield, Suite 708 Shreveport, LA Voice or TDD: (318) Fax: (318) Parishes Served: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster MONROE REGION 122 St. John Street, Room 311 Monroe, LA Voice or TDD: (318) Parishes Served: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll 24

25 LACHIP La CHIP stands for "Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program." If your child is younger than 19 and does not have health insurance, he or she could get La CHIP to pay for seeing a doctor. La CHIP covers care at a hospital, prescription drugs and shots, too! The only way to know if your child can have La CHIP is to apply. Click the apple to download an application for La CHIP or call LaCHIP ( ) to have us mail an application to your home. Community Care Community CARE is a comprehensive health delivery system, which links Medicaid recipients to a Primary Care Physician (PCP). The PCP manages the care of each Community CARE enrollee by providing health education, preventive care, and acute care and refers the enrollee to specialists when needed. Community CARE Nurses Hotline - (866) In writing: (Providers or Enrollees) Community CARE 5700 Florida Boulevard 10th Floor Baton Rouge, LA

26 Office of Mental Health The Office of Mental Health provides individual, group, and family therapy to adults and children who are determined eligible for services. Fees are assessed according to a sliding-scale and is income-sensitive. To access these services, contact your local regional office. REGIONAL OFFICES: REGION I includes Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines Office of Mental Health 136 South Roman St., 2 nd Floor New Orleans, LA (504) REGION III includes Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, Terrebonne, St. Mary Office of Mental Health c/o Terrebonnes Mental Health 500 Legion Avenue Houma, LA (985) REGION V includes Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis REGION II includes Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Office of Mental Health c/o Baton Rouge Mental Health (225) REGION IV includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion Office of Mental Health c/o Acadiana Mental Health 302 Dulles Dr. Lafayette, LA (337) REGION VI includes Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn REGION VII includes Bienville, Caddo, Webster, Sabine, Claiborne, Red River, Natchitoches, DeSoto Office of Mental Health c/o Shreveport Mental Health 1310 N. Hearne Avenue Shreveport, LA (318) REGION VIII includes East Carroll, West Carroll, Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Morehouse, Ouachita, Union, Richland, Madison, Lincoln, Tensas Office of Mental Health c/o Monroe Mental Health 4800 S. Grand St. Monroe, LA (318)

27 REGION IX includes Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Livingston, Washington, St, Helena Office of Mental Health c/o Lurline Smith Mental Health 900 Wilkinson St. Mandeville, LA (985) REGION X includes Jefferson East Jefferson Mental Health 3101 W. Napoleon Ave., Suite 1000 Metairie, LA (504)

28 Louisiana Social Services Family Supports Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) For more information on the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and other services available through the Office of Family Support, call LAHELPU ( ). What is the Child Care Assistance Program? The Child Care Assistance program helps low-income families to pay for the child care they need while working, looking for work, attending school or training. Monthly payments are based on the number of hours the parents work, look for work, or attend school or training, the amount charged by the child care provider, family size and household income. Parents can select any Class A child care center, school-based before and after school program, registered family child day care home, or in-home provider. Do you Qualify for Child Care Assistance? 1. Are you responsible for paying child care costs for a child under 13, or a disabled child under 18, who lives with you? 2. Do you, your spouse, and any other parents of children who live in your home, work or attend an educational or training program, or need child care assistance to look for work? If not participating in one or a combination of these activities, do these persons receive disability income? 3. Is your household's monthly gross earned income (before any deductions from paycheck) and unearned income less than the amount listed below for your household size? 2 persons-$ persons-$ persons-$ persons-$ persons-$ persons-$ persons-$ persons-$4931 If you answered YES to all of the above questions, you may be eligible for child care assistance 28

29 Non-Profit resources Access to Meaningful Employment, Inc. (ACME, Inc.) Eva M. Belcas, M.H.S, C.R.C. Exc. Dir N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA (504) (504) FAX ACME, Inc. provides employment services to individuals with disabilities in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Mandeville, and Covington. ACME, Inc. has provided employment services since 1988 and has secured 500+ positions for persons seeking entry level, Para-professional and professional positions within their communities. ACME, Inc. is a licensed vendor of the Department of Social Services. Their referral base includes individuals eligible for services through LA Rehabilitation Services, the Medicaid Waiver, Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority, and Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities. Family and Youth Counseling Agency 220 Louie Street Lake Charles, LA (337) The Autism Support Program promotes access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included, participating members of their communities. The program will promote positive social support by offering case management, counseling, education, training, public awareness, and leisure activities. St. Mary s Residential Training Facility P.O. Drawer 7768 Alexandria, LA (318) St. Mary s is a residential care and training center serving children and young adults diagnosed with mental retardation, developmental disabilities, autism, Cornelia de Lange, Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, hydrocephaly, microcephaly, speech and language impairments, motor impairments, sensory integration deficits, pica, and seizures. We accept as residents people between the ages of 3 and 21 who are ambulatory.services: Social Services, Self-Help and Independent Skills Training, Speech/Language Services,Special Services, Educational Services, Nursing/Health Care, Nutritional Services, Psychological Services, Applied Behavior Analysis, Recreational Activities. 29

30 The Chartwell Center 4239 Camp Street New Orleans, LA Educational services for children with autism ages Training and workshops for professionals and families. Monthly parent support group. Internship placement for students interested in students with autism. Saint Nicolas Center for Early Intervention 519 Clarence Street, Lake Charles, LA PH saintnicholascenter@gmail.com Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children Training on principles of ABA to parents, educators and caregivers. Speech and Hearing Foundation **Watch for the new EMERGE CENTER W Roosevelt St Baton Rouge, LA (225) audiology and Hearing Services, Group & Individual Speech Therapy for children, Comprehensive Communication Therapy for children with ASD Mercy Family Services New Orleans Location Mandeville Location Metairie Location 4001 General De Gaul 1445 West Causway 110 Veterans Hwy Suite H Mandeville, LA Suite 425 New Orleans, LA (985) Metairie, LA (504) (504) Child and Adolescent outpatient behavioral health clinic. monitoring, behavioral consultation. Testing, counseling, medication 30

31 FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES RESOURCE CENTERS OF LOUISIANA Region 1 & 10 Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Jefferson Parishes Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans 4323 Division St., Suite 110 Metairie, LA or Fax fhfgno@ix.netcom.com Region 2 Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana Parishes Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, LA or Fax fhfofgbr@msn.com Region 3 Assumption, Lafourche, St. James, St. John, Terrebonne, St. Charles, St. Mary Parishes Bayou Land Families Helping Families 760 W. Tunnel Blvd., Suite B Houma, LA or Fax blfhf@bellsouth.net Region 4 Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion Parishes Families Helping Families of Acadiana 303 New Hope Rd. Lafayette, LA or Fax fhfacad@bellsouth.net Region 5 Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Cameron Parishes Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana 2927 Hodges St. Lake Charles, LA or Fax fhfswla@xspedius.net 31 Region 6 Avoyelles, Concordia, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon,

32 Winn Parishes Families Helping Families at the Crossroads of Louisiana 818 Main St., Suite A Pineville, LA or Fax fhfxroads@aol.com Region 7 Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Claiborne, Lincoln, Sabine, Webster Parishes. Families Helping Families of Northwest Louisiana 2620 Centenary Blvd., Bldg. 2, Suite 231 Shreveport, LA or Fax fhfofnwla@networktel.net Region 8 Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Righland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll Parishes Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana 5200 Northeast Rd. Monroe, LA or Fax info@fhfnela.org Region 9 St. Tammany, St. Helena, Livingston, Washington, Tangipahoa Parishes Northshore Families Helping Families 111 North Madison Covington, LA or Fax CSHS or nfhf@charter.net 32

33 Louisiana Citizens for Action Now (LaCan) LaCAN is a statewide grassroots network of individuals and families who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a system that supports individuals to live in their own homes rather than having to move to a facility to receive needed services. Regional LaCAN teams include parents, individuals with disabilities, and parents. These members are notified by telephone trees to contact state agency officials, legislators, or the Governor when necessary. LaCAN provides information and support to individuals wishing to effectively advocate for the expansion and improvement of community and family support services for people with disabilities and their families through updates, regional workshops, regional team leaders, and personal contact. LaCAN does not provide support h ttp:// or Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LaTan) P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA (225) The mission of LATAN is to collaborate with persons with disabilities and others to increase the availability and utilization of assistive technology devices and services for all individuals with disabilities in Louisiana. Information and Parent Training Project Prompt 4323 Division St., Suite 110 Metairie, LA (504) (800) A Statewide Parent Training and Information Center provide advocacy and training for families who have school-aged children who receive special education and related services. 33

34 Private For Profit Resources: Evaluators Mollie Alarcon, Ed.D Special Education Oschner Clinic 1514 Jefferson Hwy. New Orleans, LA (504) Louisiana State University Speech and Hearing Clinic Evaluation and Preschool Intervention 163 Music & Dramatic Arts Bldg. Baton Rouge, LA (225) Louisiana State University Psychological Services Center Evaluation and Treatment Planning 236 Audubon Hall Baton Rouge, LA (225) Speech and Hearing Foundation Evaluation and Preschool Intervention 535 W. Roosevelt Baton Rouge, LA (225) Family Counseling Elisa Banado Taylor, L.C.S.W N. Harrell s Ferry Road Baton Rouge, LA (225) Specializing in Behavioral Issues for families with atypical children. Daniel Yeager, M.S.W. Family Counseling Practice 205 W. Brentwood Blvd Lafayette (318) Janet Buescher, LCSW The Center for Child and Family Development 1203 Barrow Street Houma, LA Child and Family Therapy Play Therapy, Behavior Management Techniques, Developmental Therapy Harold Chen, M.D. LSU Medical Center 1501 Kings Hwy. Shreveport, LA (318) Genetics 34