People First of Louisiana is part of a national coalition of organizations of people with disabilities. As a statewide organization they support people with disabilities to empower themselves to become effective decision makers, to gain independence, and to enjoy life as equal citizens of the United States of America. They also empower each other to actively participate in and contribute to their local communities. People First of Louisiana is a statewide board comprised entirely of, and led by, people with disabilities. It is a self advocacy group run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities.

In 1997 The Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities provided funding to promote self advocacy for people with disabilities. “People First” chapters, comprised only of people with disabilities, were started across Louisiana. In 2001, a group of self-advocate leaders came together to begin planning for the formation of a statewide organization. The steering committee met for 10 months to develop a mission statement, plan elections, and plan the first Louisiana conference of People First. In 2004, the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council recognized the growing strength and value of People First of Louisiana and increased funding to compliment the funding from the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities.

Board members of People First of Louisiana are gaining recognition in their local communities and many with increasing frequency are asked to speak about the organization and the disability rights movement before civic groups, businesses, churches and other community agencies. To learn more, or to join a People First Chapter log on to www.peoplefirstla.org.

The Arc of Louisiana is affiliated with The Arc of the United States, which advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on a national level. We also are proud to have 21 affiliated local chapters working to provide additional supports and services to families in communities throughout the state, all affiliates operate under The Arc’s Core Values.

People First. The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Arc represents supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc believes in self-determination by empowering people with the supports needed to make informed decisions and choices.

Democracy. A democratic process involving members, through affiliated chapters, is utilized to take positions on important issues, policies and programs.

Visionary Leadership. The Arc leads by promoting the mission, core values and position statements. We lead with integrity, accountability and by open, honest and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. There is a valued partnership with volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization that provides mutual support for their respective roles.

Community Participation. The Arc works toward and believes in the community imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing. The Arc works to ensure the safety and well being of individuals.

Diversity. The Arc values and insists upon diversity in its leadership and membership. The Arc actively pursues and welcomes diverse groups (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and level of disability).

Integrity and Excellence. The Arc conducts its business with integrity. The Arc reflects quality and excellence in all its work.

The Arc of Louisiana is an organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.  The Arc is people – people with developmental disabilities, parents, family members, and friends who work together.  We are a grassroots organization with over 6,000 members affiliated through 21 local chapters across the state.  A board of directors and a delegate body of representatives from each chapter guides the work of The Arc.

The committed men and women on our board of directors are representatives from each affiliated chapter. They have experienced both the challenges and the triumphs associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities firsthand. Their personal stake in The Arc’s mission provides our volunteers, members, and professional staff with wisdom, inspiration, and guidance

Working for The Arc is more than just a job for many of our staff. They work hard to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With guidance from our board of directors, The Arc of Louisiana staff work hand-in-hand with our many local chapters to fulfill The Arc’s mission throughout the state.

• State of Louisiana www.louisiana.gov
• The Arc United States www.thearc.org
• Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council www.laddc.org
• Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LaTAN) www.latan.com
• Louisiana Housing Connection www.lahousingconnection.org
• Department of Social Services www.dss.la.us
• Department of Education www.doe.la.us
• Capitol Area Human Services District www.cahsd.org
• Louisiana Citizens for Action Now (LaCAN) www.lacanadvocates.org
• The Advocacy Center www.advocacyla.org
• Social Security office www.ssa.gov
• Department of Health and Hospitals www.dhh.louisiana.gov
• Louisiana Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices
• People First of Louisiana www.peoplefirstla.org
• Families helping Families www.fhfgbr.org
• Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana www.dsaa.info/
• Autism Society of Louisiana www.autismspeaks.org
• Best Buddies Louisiana www.bestbuddies.org
• Rett Syndrome Foundation www.rettsyndrome.org