Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council

The Council engages in advocacy, systems change, and capacity building activities that contribute to a coordinated, individual and family-centered, individual and family-directed comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.

To build capacity and effect systems change, Councils are charged with carrying out specific activities in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.

Program for Successful Employment at Baton Rouge Community College *

The Program for Successful Employment (PSE) is a two-year vocational training program for adults with autism and/or other cognitive differences. The program combines academic and job skills training with externship opportunities in regional businesses. Each group that starts will stay together as a cohort. Each cohort will occupy a time slot during the hours of 9 a.m. 3 pm., Monday through Thursday.

Upon acceptance into PSE, all students are on a probationary status throughout the program. Students will be evaluated not only as a student, but also as a prospective employee. Classroom and jobsite experiences should be considered as a “long-term interview.” Upon completion of PSE requirements, graduates will receive a PSE Certificate of Employability with a specific concentration based on their career goals.

Program for Successful Employment at Bossier Parish Community College *

The Program for Successful Employment (PSE) is a division of Workforce Development at BPCC providing flexible and innovative education and training for individuals with significant disabilities or support needs. Students who have exited high school may enroll in a unique comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and/or Autism. As a federally-recognized CTP program, students with an ID diagnosis may be eligible for federal financial aid, even without a high school diploma or equivalent.

The goal of PSE is to provide vocational and essential skills training while students work to earn a credential in a field where they can use their strengths and interests as well as personalized coaching and support through the transition to gainful employment and independent living.

Bridge to Independence at Nicholls University *

At Nicholls State University, students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience while gaining the leadership and social skills needed for future employment and independent living. Known for its family-friendly campus, caring faculty and staff, and recently recognized as the safest campus in the UL system, Nicholls is the ideal location for the Bridge to Independence program — the first program in Louisiana certified by the U.S. Department of Education.

Bridge to Independence provides the support services needed for eligible students attend regular Nicholls classes, participate in campus events and activities and join campus organizations. Along the way, peer mentors, trained in the Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, will assist Bridge students with their coursework and socialization.

Lions Connected at Southeastern University *

Lions Connected courses, combined with college-level courses, are centered around the practice of “learning by doing”. As students in the LC program prepare for a career they love, we work closely with each student to customize their courses and college experience. Academic mentors accompany each LC student every step of the way. They help the LC students learn to navigate the complexities of campus life. Social Mentors are available to enrich interpersonal skills and relationships through extracurricular activities.

The entire program is driven by the importance of inclusion of students. LC students learn functional, social, academic, and employment skills needed to be successful individuals in society. Each semester, LC students audit one Academic Course as well as one Kinesiology Lab Course while on campus. LC students also participate in a functional Life Skills Program. During the final semester of the program, LC students have the opportunity for supported employment

UL LIFE at University of Louisiana at Lafayette *

The UL LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) Program is a highly personalized program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. By combining academic, social, and career development skills at the college level, young adults with intellectual disabilities can become thriving members of our community.

Our LIFE courses, combined with college-level courses for the students to audit, all center around the practice of learning by doing. We work closely with each student to customize their courses and college experience so they are prepared for a career they love. Our academic mentors accompany each student every step of the way, including going to class, modifying in-class assignments, and providing support for out-of-class assignments and homework.

Post-Secondary Apprenticeship for Youth at LSU Health Sciences Center *

Postsecondary Apprenticeship for Youth (PAY Check) is an innovative collaboration between the LSUHSC-Human Development Center (HDC), Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), public school systems, and employers in the New Orleans metro area.

PAY Check is a 3 semester program where students participate in courses at a post-secondary institution, engage in professional career development activities, learn community and work-related skills, and gain employment experience through two 10-week paid internships.