Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

Thank You, Advocates

Today families, advocates, and disability organizations across the country spoke up for students with disabilities.

Every call helps ensure policymakers hear directly from the people most impacted by special education policies.

At Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans, we believe:

✨ Individuals with disabilities can live meaningful lives.
✨ Strong protections and high expectations make that possible.

Thank you for being part of this advocacy effort.

03/05/2026

There’s a seat at the table with your name on it.

Self-advocates. Families. Allies. Providers.

Let’s talk about:
✔ Employment Supports
✔ Community-Based Services
✔ Workforce Stability
✔ Safety for People with Disabilities

Join the Louisiana Council's Advocacy Network Regions 1 & 10 on March 6!

🔗 www.tinyurl.com/110LACANRT2026

03/05/2026

From navigating systems to celebrating wins—LaDisABILITY Talk is open for all discussions, big or small.

💚 Join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1128575273840846

03/05/2026

Please note that the Adolescence and Disability: Insights into Physical, Emotional and Social Development Workshop, that was scheduled for tomorrow, March 6th, has been rescheduled.

This workshop will now be on April 22, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM and will be a fully virtual. If you previously registered for this event, you will not need to register again. We thank you for your understanding and apologize for the inconvenience. (The updated flyer will be in the comments section of this post.)

03/05/2026

📞 Have you made your call yet?

Today is National Call-In Day to Protect IDEA.

Take 3 minutes to call your Members of Congress and ask them to protect special education.

☎️ 202-224-3121

Ask for the Education Legislative Aide and share your message.

Families across Louisiana are speaking up for students with disabilities today.

💜 Your call matters.

03/05/2026

💙 Our services are always FREE for families.

Because accessing support should never be a barrier.

Contact us anytime:
🔗 https://fhfofgno.org/get-involved/contact-us

03/05/2026

National PLACE is joining advocacy groups across the country on March 5th for a National Call-In Day as a coordinated opportunity for PLACE members, families, self-advocates, educators, and community members to share their lived experiences and perspectives with members of Congress about why special education and related civil rights protections matter.

On this designated day, participants who choose to take part are invited—on their own time and using their own resources—to contact their elected officials and describe how programs such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), and related functions within the U.S. Department of Education affect children, youth, and families in their communities. By centering family voices and real-world impact, this effort seeks to raise awareness and understanding among policymakers about the importance of maintaining strong federal leadership and protections for students with disabilities.

This is not tied to a specific piece of legislation; participants may choose to ask their elected officials to seek information and exercise oversight regarding any proposed administrative changes that could affect IDEA, OSERS, and related functions within the U.S. Department of Education.

To help locate your U.S. Senator and Representatives, you can use these links –

U.S. Senators
U.S. Representative
OR

You can also call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senator and Representative.

In the link below you will find a National Call‑In Day toolkit which includes...

Use this document to prepare for your support for the National IDEA call in day. Below are various options and recommendations for getting the word out about this call in day to families, educators, and professionals.

03/05/2026

Your child’s story belongs to them. 💜

Learn when schools can — and cannot — share information about your child’s diagnosis, exceptionality, or educational records.

🔒 Protecting Your Child’s Privacy: Understanding FERPA & HIPAA
🗓 March 12, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM

🎤 Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan
🤝 Co-Host: Ester Wilson, FHF Region 7

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1m4FFAQRQv6GUVXjNMl0-w

“Very informative! I finally understand what these laws mean for my family.”

Let’s make sure families feel confident and informed. 💜

03/05/2026

🚨 Advocates Needed!

Policy decisions happening in Louisiana impact services, supports, education, and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Join us for the LACAN Regions 1 & 10 Virtual Legislative Roundtable to learn:

✔ What to expect in the upcoming legislative session
✔ Key issues affecting individuals with disabilities
✔ How families and advocates can make their voices heard
✔ Ways to get involved with LaCAN advocacy efforts

🗓 Friday, March 6
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Register today:
🔗 www.tinyurl.com/110LACANRT2026

Your voice helps shape Louisiana’s future.

03/05/2026

🚨 TODAY IS THE DAY — NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY 🚨

Families and advocates across the country are calling Congress to protect special education.

☎️ Call the Capitol Switchboard:
202-224-3121

Ask to speak with the Education Legislative Aide.

📢 Suggested message:

“Please protect children with disabilities and DO NOT move the Office of Special Education Programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Office of Civil Rights out of the U.S. Department of Education.”

Calls should be made between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM ET.

📄 Call Script
https://bit.ly/CALL-FOR-IDEA

Together we can make sure the voices of families are heard.