Our Mission
The Arc of Louisiana empowers individuals with a disability and their families to achieve advancements in; inclusion, employment, and public policy through advocacy in Louisiana.
What's Next
Stay connected and take the next step with us. Learn what’s coming up and how to get involved from upcoming trainings and advocacy opportunities to updates on the legislative session.
Transition Training
February 26, 2026
For parents and guardians of a student with a disability transitionsing from school to adulthood.
Click here for more information.
2026 Legislative Session
March - June 2026
Get updates on the legislative session and see how The Arc of Louisiana is working to advance policies that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Information coming soon.
Arc Day at the Capital
April 15, 2026
Arc Day at the Capitol brings advocates together to meet with legislators and speak up for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Annual Special Education Parent Summit
June 29, 2026
Join us for a one-day summit designed to inform and empower parents of students with disabilities. At the summit, you can make connections with other parents, discover helpful resources, and gain practical tools through a variety of breakout sessions.
Click here for more information.
Achieve with us.
Get Involved
We are very passionate about our cause and welcome any support from volunteers, professionals, businesses or anyone who would like to get involved in our mission to help the lives of people with disabilities.
Donate
The Arc of Louisiana is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. We receive funding from a variety of sources, including private donations, membership dues, fundraising events and special government grants.
A Tribute to Sharon and Barry
Sharon Hennessey
Our dear friend, colleague and former Executive Director of People First of Louisiana. Sharon dedicated her life to making the world more inclusive for people with disabilities, ensuring their voices were heard and their presence valued in every space. She brought her passion and expertise to numerous workgroups focused on self-advocacy, employment, housing, and transportation, among other areas. She advocated for real change and a better future for all people with disabilities.
Above all, Sharon was a true advocate; fierce, compassionate, and firm in her commitment to equity and inclusion. She will be missed dearly by all who had the honor of working alongside her. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Sharon every day at The Arc of Louisiana and People First of Louisiana.
Rest in peace, Sharon. Your work lives on in the lives you touched.
Barry Meyer
Barry Meyer dedicated more than 40 years of his life to The Arc, serving with passion, vision, and heart. What began as a volunteer role in 1970 quickly grew into a lifelong calling. Beyond his local leadership, Barry played a critical role in advancing public policy on behalf of people with disabilities. He worked tirelessly to expand waiver services, championed laws that encouraged employers to hire people with disabilities, and was instrumental in the passage of the Louisiana ABLE Act. His advocacy helped transform not just local services, but the broader systems that support people with disabilities across the state.
Barry was not only a remarkable leader but also a mentor to many directors and colleagues across Louisiana and beyond. He was known for his willingness to guide other whether at a small local chapter or on the state and national stage. His knowledge, generosity, and dedication inspired everyone who had the privilege of working with him. For Barry, this work was never just a job; it was his true calling. His legacy lives on in the opportunities he created, the laws he helped shape, the lives he touched, and the movement he strengthened.
We are forever grateful for his leadership, his vision, and his friendship. He will be dearly missed, but his impact will live on for generations.
Affiliations
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.