Advocacy organization

Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network

LaCAN is the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council’s advocacy network. It supports people with disabilities, families and professionals who seek changes in community services, education and employment so that people can participate more fully in everyday life.

Official website ↗

Organization profile

Organization type: Advocacy organization
Headquarters / base: Baton Rouge (Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council), Louisiana, United States
Geographic scope: Regional

Former / alternate names

Louisiana Citizens for Action Now

Medical focus

Developmental disabilitiesCommunity-based servicesInclusive educationDisability rights

Activities

AdvocacyEducation & trainingHealth policy

Population served

People with disabilitiesPatients & familiesProfessionals supporting people with disabilities

A statewide Council initiative

The Council established LaCAN in 1988 to advocate for community and family supports. Its present name is Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network. A Council action alert dated January 2013 identifies the earlier name, Louisiana Citizens for Action Now, and describes it as a Council initiative.

LaCAN is coordinated through the Council in Baton Rouge and works across Louisiana through regional teams. Its organizational role is advocacy and support for systems change, rather than operating a separate clinical or residential care service.

Sources: [1], [3].

Information, skills and participation

The network helps members understand policy proposals affecting disability services and communicate their experiences to decision-makers. Activities include regional membership meetings, legislative roundtables and participation in public meetings. Regional leaders support members as they learn to explain how policies affect their own lives and families.

Action alerts identify issues and describe opportunities to respond to state officials or legislators. They are distributed through the Council’s communication channels. Membership is free, and individuals choose their level of participation; joining a regional team can provide information, training and contact with other advocates.

Sources: [1], [2].

Community inclusion and regional connections

LaCAN’s priorities include living in ordinary homes and communities, access to inclusive education and opportunities for employment. These priorities connect disability rights with the support systems that make participation possible. Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana includes LaCAN in its programme information, providing a documented regional connection for families in that part of the state.

Sources: [1], [4].

Further health reading

Autism spectrum disorder

Autism can affect communication and everyday support needs. This overview adds health context to LaCAN’s broader advocacy for community inclusion and access to services.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy can affect movement and participation in daily life. This background reading connects accessible community support with one developmental condition.