Statewide Independent Living Council of Louisiana

01/25/2026

For most people, power outages are an inconvenience. For those who count on electricity for home medical equipment, they can be a crisis. Here's how to plan ahead for health care needs in a blackout.

01/21/2026

SILC Member Jamie Duplechine served on a panel at the Louisiana Department of Health Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Summit today. 👏🏼

Providing resources at the OCDD Summit today. Listening to Jamie Duplechine, SCI on the Self Advocate Panel.

01/09/2026

Thanks Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans for sharing information about the Centers for Independent Living in our state: SLIC: Southwest Louisiana Independence Center, New Horizons Independent Living Center, and Resources for Independent Living.

12/29/2025

On Friday, December 26, 2025, our movement lost a powerful leader, and many of us lost a dear colleague and friend. Bob Kafka, a longtime organizer with the disability civil rights protest group, ADAPT, the founder of AAPD’s REV UP campaign, and a co-lead of REV UP Texas, passed away at his home in Austin, Texas.

Bob was driven by the conviction that disabled people deserve freedom, choice, dignity, and power. His ideals were not just dreams; they were a mandate, a directive that guided his life. From being arrested more than 30 times while fighting for various pieces of landmark legislation to negotiating with government officials, he never stopped living his values and fighting for our community.

We strongly encourage you to read AAPD's full tribute to Bob Kafka, written by Director of Accessible Democracy Alexia Kemerling: https://www.aapd.com/aapd-remembers-bob-kafka/

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

Stanford and University of Michigan will be in New Orleans later this week hosting focus groups on accessibility, efficacy and utility of emergency communication through various networks (formal, informal) as part of an analysis of equity in disaster recovery.
They are looking for New Orleans residents to join groups on
Thursday 12/11 2pm (City Hall/Nola Ready offices)
Saturday 12/13 10am (RTNO office, Upper 9th/Bywater)
In addition to contributing your great insights, there is a $100 gift card for participation.

10/31/2025

Shreveport IL staff Paula and Gary at the State Fair Senior Day Expo today 🌻

Hi Paula and Gary!

10/16/2025

10/07/2025

Congratulations to our regional National Council on Independent Living representative, Justina Plowden, on receiving this tremendous honor.

Today, the Lafayette Mayor-President’s Awareness Committee for Citizens with Disabilities (DAC) proudly celebrated local champions of inclusion during its 2025 Awards Ceremony at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

More than 100 community members came together for breakfast, fellowship, and to honor this year’s outstanding advocates for accessibility and inclusion:

🏆 Non-Profit of the Year: Acadiana Native Plant Project
🏆 Business of the Year: Hand Up Thrift
🏆 Youth of the Year: Luna Bowles
🏆 Public Servant of the Year: Molly Guidry
🏆 Lynette Fontenot Community Achievement Award: Mary Hooks Baudoin
🏆 Vickie Nettles Advocacy Award: Justina Plowden

Congratulations to all of our honorees, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us this morning! Your continued support helps make Lafayette a stronger, more inclusive community for all. 💙

09/28/2025

St. Landry Abilities is hosting its Annual Resource Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10am to 3:30pm at Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts in Opelousas.

The workshop is jammed packed with informative sessions on topics that are important to families living with disabilities.

Check out the schedule at this link: https://st-landry.cls.co/fxSY.

The event is free and includes lunch, vendors, and prizes.

Register to attend at https://st-landry.cls.co/bXsK

09/24/2025

There will be an disaster preparedness training for people with disabilities and other functional needs on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ree Alario Center, 6900 Saints Drive, Metairie, LA. Register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/JPOP2025.
The New Orleans and Jefferson Parish Offices of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in collaboration with Disability Access Solutions, Volunteer Louisiana, and other community partners, will host this training and provide information on critical resources and guidance to strengthen readiness during emergencies. In addition to expert-led sessions, the training will feature a resource fair at the conclusion of the day, where agencies and partner organizations will provide information and services directly to residents.
This training is free, includes lunch and while designed for people with disabilities and other functional needs, it is open to all. We ask that participants please register at 🔗: www.surveymonkey.com/r/JPOP2025.

09/18/2025