SLIC: Southwest Louisiana Independence Center

08/10/2026

If you need resources or support regarding disaster preparedness or any other accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you navigate challenges and find the solutions you need. Your safety and independence are our top priorities, and we are always just a message or call away whenever you need assistance.

We’re here to support you every step of the way!

08/04/2026

Partners in Policymaking

Celebrating Our 2026 Graduates – Apply for 2027 Class

August 4, 2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Graduates!

On June 20, 2026, 15 people completed Louisiana’s Partners in Policymaking program in Baton Rouge. They are the program’s 35th graduating class.

The Council congratulates the graduates and is proud of their hard work, commitment and dedication.

Photo Caption:

Back: Logan Boynton, Whitney Ross, Charlotte Cravins, Ethan Proffe, Anthony Duplantis, Dinah Milazzo, Chrisha Pool, Latasha Pillette Landry and Erika Joseph

Middle: Ellie Wroten, Bailey Castille, Cynthia Pooler and Sharmayne Wright Whitmore

Front: Maddison Young and Kourtlyn Heinen

Apply for the 2027 Class

The Council is now accepting applications for the 2027 Partners in Policymaking class.

Partners in Policymaking is a free leadership and advocacy training program for:

People with developmental disabilities
Parents of young children with developmental disabilities

Participants learn how to:

Speak up for themselves and others
Understand disability issues
Learn how laws and public policies are made
Advocate for better services and supports
Work with others to create positive change


Is Partners in Policymaking Right for You?

Consider applying if:

You have a developmental disability or are the parent of a young child with a developmental disability.
You want to become a stronger disability advocate.
You can attend six weekend training sessions from January through June 2027.

There is no cost to participate, but space is limited.



Apply by September 30, 2026

Click HERE to apply for the 2027 Partners in Policymaking class.

2027 Training Dates

Session 1: January 7 - 9

Session 4: April 9 - 10

Session 2: February 5 - 6

Session 5: May 7 - 8

Session 3: March 12 - 13

Session 6: June 4 - 5

Participants must be able to attend all six sessions.

Questions or Help Applying

Click HERE to learn more about Partners in Policymaking.

For help with the application, contact Rebecca Fruge at [email protected] or call the Council at 800-450-8108.

Contact Us

LaDDC News is the electronic newsletter for the LA Developmental Disabilities Council. If there are any questions about the information above, contact the Council by replying to this email, or calling the toll free number listed below:

phone: 1-800-450-8108

email: [email protected]

website: www.laddc.org

facebook: www.facebook.com/LaDDCouncil



Sign up to receive LaDDC Newsletters HERE.

View all recent LaDDC Newsletters HERE.

Independence, Self-Determination, Productivity, Integration, Inclusion

07/30/2026

July 30, 2026

Greetings!

The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf is accepting applications for the upcoming Sign Language Interpreter Knowledge Exam Facilitated Study Group Sessions!

The upcoming study groups will run from July 1 to September 30, 2026, and include options for both the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam and the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Exam.

Each session will be facilitated by an experienced professional and will focus on:

Building a strong foundation of content knowledge
Strengthening effective test-taking strategies
Boosting confidence for exam success

This opportunity is open to Louisiana residents who are sign language interpreters and have an exam scheduled no later than three months after the close of their chosen study group cycle.

Upcoming study session cycle dates:

July 1 – September 30, 2026
October 1 – December 31, 2026
January 1 – March 31, 2027
April – June 30, 2027

Upon completion of the study group cycle and the scheduled certification or assessment exam, participants in good standing may submit a reimbursement request for the cost of the exam. Participants are required to attend at least ten (10) sessions to remain in good standing. Proof of payment and test completion will be required for reimbursement.

The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf will reimburse the cost of one exam per participant. Exams include:

Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Written Exam
The Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam

Learn more about the eligibility requirements and register for an upcoming cycle by visiting lcd.la.gov/sign-language-interpreter-knowledge-exam-facilitated-study-group-sessions.

If you have questions, contact us at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Louisiana Commission for the Deaf

07/14/2026

We highly encourage you to come out to the Honeybee Farmer's Market this Saturday, July 18th, from 9 AM to 2 PM! It's going to be a fantastic day filled with local vendors, unique crafts, and delicious treats.

Come by and say hello Don't miss out on a great community event!

06/02/2026

Our office is hosting a blood drive next Tuesday and we want to invite YOU🫵🏼!! You never know how many lives will be impacted by your selfless donation!! It's the “oil” our bodies need to keep us going!! Our address is 216 A La Rue France Lafayette La. 70508💫

05/26/2026

Dear Blood Drive Partner,

The Slic lafayette blood drive is two weeks away! We are scheduled for 06/09/2026 from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM. As the date approaches, we’d love your help in spreading the word to ensure we have a fantastic turnout. Our goal for this blood drive is 10, these donations will be a great help to local patients in need!

Did you know that 80% of our blood collections come from mobile drives like the one you’re hosting? These drives are essential in providing the necessary blood products to our local hospitals and patients in need. Your efforts in promoting and supporting this event will have a profound impact on our community, impacting countless lives.

Blood drive appointments can be scheduled ahead of time by using this link:
[Drive link URL]

Feel free to share the appointment link on your social media platforms and encourage your friends, family, and community to book a donation time! Your support in promoting this event is crucial to collecting as many donations as possible.

To download your drive chair toolkit and get any questions you may have answered visit https://www.lifeshare.org/host-a-blood-drive/

Thank you for your dedication and hard work in making this blood drive a success. If you have any questions or need additional materials for promotion, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
Dakota Miller
[email protected]

05/06/2026

Our team had the pleasure to participate in the 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Day at the Capital.

04/30/2026

We had a wonderful day of laughs, games and crawfish. We are so grateful to have such an amazing group of people!

04/28/2026

🇺🇸Attentions Veterans🇺🇸

➡️Are you in need of assistance in the home & want to be in control of your budget⬅️

Contact for more information on the (VDC) Veteran Directed Care Program.

04/22/2026

SLIC: Southwest Louisiana Independence Center wants to give a big shoutout to all of our amazing Administrative Professionals today. Thank you for all you do. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.