Newsroom - Advocacy Center

3/19/12 - 10:00 AM by Pamela Fisher

AC Investigation Reveals Serious Neglect at Group Homes Across the State

CLOP report cover On Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 the Advocacy Center released the results of a three year investigation into conditions at facilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state, When A House Is Not A Home: An investigation into conditions, care, and treatment in select group homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Louisiana.

9/7/11 - 12:53 PM by Stephanie Patrick

Advocacy Center’s Executive Director Wants to Talk with YOU!

Photo of Rep. Scott Simon Do you have questions about the work of the Advocacy Center, our priorities for 2012, or thoughts to share? Lois Simpson, AC's Executive Director, will be answering your questions and listening to your ideas on Wednesday, Sept. 14th from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm and Monday, Sept. 19th from 3:00 pm -4:00 pm.

3/14/11 - 04:39 PM by Stephanie Patrick

Response to Intervention (RTI) Cannot be Used to Delay or Deny an Evaluation for IDEA ELIGIBILITY!!!!!

Once a parent makes a request for an evaluation, if there is reason to suspect a disability, an evaluation should occur.

2/14/11 - 05:31 PM by Stephanie Patrick

The Uncertainties of Continuing Tutorship

Many parents of children with intellectual disabilities choose continuing tutorship to maintain guardianship and legal authority over their child after he/she reaches the age of 18. Due to a revamping of the continuing tutorship laws in Louisiana, those rights are not clearly defined.

8/19/10 - 12:14 PM by Stephanie Patrick

Annual Report Published

The 2008-2009 Annual Report is now available.

Inclusion in Summer Youth Programs

The managers of two group homes in southern Louisiana contacted an AC CLOP Ombudsman, about the lack of recreational activities for the young men- aged 14 to 18- in their homes.

2/12/10 - 02:53 PM by Daniel Casbergue

Advocacy Center Applauds Plan to Promote Inclusion for People with Disabilities

New Orleans, LA, February 12, 2010 – Governor Jindal’s budget for Fiscal Year 2011 reflects the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities’ plan to close Northeast Supports and Services Center (NESSC) in Ruston, LA and to significantly reduce the population of other large institutions for people with developmental disabilities. Such centers include Pinecrest Supports and Services Center (Pineville), Northwest Supports and Services Center (Shreveport) and North Lake Supports and Services Center (Hammond). The Advocacy Center supports these budget recommendations.

2/2/10 - 04:35 PM by Stephanie Patrick

Student Accesses Specialized Program

Susie, a 7 year old, with autism and mental illness, was expelled from school.

6/9/09 - 04:28 PM by Stephanie Patrick

Advocacy Center Releases Beyond Repair: An Investigation Into Serious Abuse and Neglect at Northeast Supports and Service Center

After documenting an ongoing pattern of injuries and death at Northeast Supports and Services Center (NESSC) in Ruston, Advocacy Center urges the State to take action to close the institution and ensure the safety and proper placement of the people who live there. A newly released report by the Advocacy Center, Beyond Repair: An Investigation Into Serious Abuse and Neglect at Northeast Supports and Services Center exposes a culture of disregard for residents’ rights and a consistent substandard level of care that continues to endanger those who remain at the institution.

10/9/08 - 04:44 PM by Stephanie Patrick

Louisiana School for the Deaf Is Closed: Students Are Entitled to Special Education Services

State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek announced on October 8, 2008 that Louisiana School for the Deaf has been temporarily closed due to safety issues.

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