SLIC: Southwest Louisiana Independence Center

01/12/2026

The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council is excited to share that applications are now open for the 2026 Louisiana Youth Leadership Forum (YLF).

YLF is a five-day, overnight leadership program for high school students with disabilities. As an YLF delegate, you’ll learn about leadership, advocacy, disability history, and disability pride. You’ll also connect with other youth who have similar experiences and build skills to become future leaders.


Program Details

Date: July 8 – 12, 2026
Location: LSU Eunice in Eunice, La
Free lodging, meals and accommodations
Lodging, meals, and accommodations are provided at no cost
1 staff member per delegate
2 nurses on site 24/7
All speakers are mentors with disabilities


Who Can Apply as a Delegate?

You can apply if you:

Are in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
Have a disability
Want to learn about the disability community and its history
Want to use your voice to make positive change
Can attend the full program July 8–12, 2026 in Eunice, Louisiana

If this sounds like you, click HERE to apply.

Need Help or More Information?

Contact: Lillian DeJean, Program Coordinator

Email: ldejean@fhfacadiana.org

Phone: (337) 205-2504

01/12/2026

Save the Summit to your calendar!
"What's Going On?" with Dom Kelly, New Disabled South
Speak Up Stand Up Summit Day #1
Jan 09, 2026, 10:00 AM
-
Jan 09, 2026, 12:30 PM
https://lsuhsc.zoom.us/j/97145052529
Add to your calendar

Dom Kelly
New Disabled South
Dom Kelly
"What Can I Do?" with Rebecca Cokley, Ford Foundation
Speak Up Stand Up Summit Day #2
Jan 16, 2026, 10:00 AM
-
Jan 16, 2026, 12:30 PM
https://lsuhsc.zoom.us/j/97145052529
Add to your calendar

Rebecca Cokley
U.S. Disability Rights program with the Ford Foundation
Rebecca Cokley
"Let's Take Action!" with former Governor John Bel Edwards
Speak Up Stand Up Summit Day #3
Jan 22, 2026, 10:00 AM
-
Jan 22, 2026, 12:30 PM
https://lsuhsc.zoom.us/j/97145052529
Add to your calendar

John Bel Edwards
Former Governor
John Bel Edwards

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

12/18/2025

So thankful for days like today. Our SLIC Christmas party and White Elephant gift exchange were full of laughter, joy, and togetherness. Everyone left full, happy, and reminded of how special this team truly is!

12/17/2025

AAHD is excited to announce the launch of their 2026 Scholarship Program.

The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is awarded annually to deserving students with a disability who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited university.

This scholarship recognizes students pursuing studies related to health and disability, particularly majors that will impact the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Applicants Need to Have the Following Materials Ready When Submitting their Application:

Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages, double spaced), including a brief personal history, educational/career goals, extra-curricular activities, community service, and reasons why they should be selected by the AAHD Scholarship Committee.
One (1) Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor. Letters should include the signature of the teacher or advisory who wrote the letter.
Transcript. Provide an official or unofficial copy of the most recent college transcript.
Verification of their disability status with documentation of their disability from a specialist (physician, educator, et. al).


Thank you for helping spread the word, and reach out to scholarship@aahd.us with any questions about the scholarship program.

The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is awarded annually to deserving students with a disability who are pursuing undergraduate/graduate studies.

12/16/2025

Stanley Cup Exchange 2025!

loves participating in all the Christmas festivities! ❤️💚🤶🏻🎅🏼

12/12/2025

's Annual Consumer and DSW Christmas Party for Region 4 and 5

I hope your holiday season is as bright as these faces! is so grateful to have such wonderful consumers and DSWs. Merry Christmas from !!!

12/10/2025

SLIC: Southwest Louisiana Independence Center was pleased to receive part of a Grant from the Statewide Independent Living Council that gave us the opportunity to prepare 32 food baskets for Region 4 and 5 consumers in need. Thank you to American Association of People with Disabilities and Fannie Lou Hammer Leadership Program for the Grant opportunity. Today’s smile’s and joy were contagious and we were so grateful for this opportunity.

12/06/2025

Even though it was a gloomy day our Region 4 office was happy to be a part of pancakes with Santa Christmas Extravaganza. It was great seeing everyone’s smiling faces this morning!

10/29/2025

🦃GIVE MORE THAN THANKS! 🦃

Donate with LifeShare and receive a FREE long-sleeve pullover and a $15 certificate towards the purchase of a ham or turkey!

Link to schedule a time:
https://donor.lifeshare.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/291569yle

10/24/2025

APRIL Fundraiser: Chance to Win an All-Inclusive Trip for Two

Thanks to the generosity of APRIL Board VP, Scott Birkenbuel, you have the chance to win an all-inclusive trip for two to Camp Bullwheel in Montana—an unforgettable adaptive fly-fishing experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

New Deadline for Raffle is January 30, 2026 to ensure winners have time to plan a summer vacation.

Tickets: $10 each
You can also purchase 20 tickets for $100!
On Sale: September 5, 2025 – January 30, 2026
Winner Drawn: February 2026 with the trip occurring in June or July 2026

How to Purchase Tickets:

Online – Visit the APRIL website https://www.april-rural.org/index.php/en/ and click the Donate button. Select “Donate with Debit or Credit Card.” Be sure to click the + Add a Special Message option and type: RAFFLE.

By Phone – Call the APRIL office at 501-753-3400 to pay by credit card.

By Check – Mail your check (must arrive before January 30, 2026 to be entered).
"Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living
P. O. Box 203
Plumerville, AR 72127"

Each ticket purchased equals one entry. For example, if you purchase 10 tickets, your name will be entered 10 times.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support APRIL and enter to win the adventure of a lifetime!

Per APRIL By-Laws: For APRIL Voting Members in good standing, Ballots for Board elections shall be distributed electronically at the direction of the Board and Public Relations Development Committee at the conclusion of the Annual General Membership Meeting taking place in Portland, OR on Friday, O...

10/18/2025

Phillip Credeur, Danielle Credeur and Brandy Bordelon are participating in the APRIL Conference in Portland Oregon.

10/14/2025

Our Lafayette crew had a wonderful time supporting the community for the annual Treats at the Village event. We had a wonderful time seeing so many smiling faces!