FHF NEWS

We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Register now for the annual Active for Autism 5k Run/Walk and Family Fun Fest!

In Honor of Carolyn "Kay" Lewis

Back to School Parenting Points for Children with Special Needs

ACTION ALERT - Special Education Advisory Panel Members Dismissed

Active for Autism 2024

LaCAN Action Alert - Governor Landry Issues LEAP Appeals Executive Order

IF YOU ARE:  the parent, guardian, or caregiver of at least one child under the age of 4, currently live in Louisiana or have lived in Louisiana in the past 4 years Have gone to some or all of your child's check-ups with a doctor or nurse in Louisiana. PROJECT SOAR WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! Project SOAR (Screen Often and Accurately Refer) is a project led by the Louisiana Department of Health. With the help of parents, guardians, and caregivers, Project SOAR hopes to make sure screening and follow-up are happening in ways that work best for Louisiana families. This project will partner with families like yours, healthcare providers (doctors/nurses), and community organizations to learn about experiences with developmental screening, caregiver depression screening, and follow-up during your child's check-up visits. Developmental Screening is when your child's doctor or nurse asks questions about how your child plays, learns, communicates, acts, and moves. Caregiver depression screening is when your doctor or nurse asks questions about your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Follow-up is when your doctor or nurse gives you the screening results, explains what they mean, and talks about the next steps. You should participate in Project SOAR if you'd like to: Share your experiences with screening and check-ups and ideas for the future. Fill out surveys or take part in group discussions with other families. You can choose virtual or in-person settings. Get PAID for your time and input. Be a part of positive change for all Louisiana families. CONNECT WITH PROJECT SOAR TODAY!

The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council adopted its 2023 Legislative Advocacy Agenda with input from both its grassroots advocacy network LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network) and Families Helping Families (FHF) Centers. Thank you to all the LaCAN members, LaCAN Leaders, FHF Centers and those in the general public who shared their agenda recommendations! 2023 Legislative Agenda The Council will advocate for additional funding for the nine FHF Regional Resource Centers it contracts with. During the last two legislative sessions, an additional $500,000 was added to the Council’s budget specifically for FHF Centers. The Council’s request to include this additional funding in its Fiscal Year 2024 budget was denied leaving these Center’s in an unfortunate situation. · Recurring Funding for Families Helping Families Regional Resource Centers The Council will also partner with the Arc of Louisiana to advocate for the funding needed to provide all adults on Medicaid waivers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) with incontinence supplies. Currently, incontinence supplies is covered for children and youth, but this coverage stops at age 21. · Fund Incontinence Supplies for Adults with Disabilities The Council will continue its efforts to increase and expand postsecondary inclusive education opportunities in Louisiana for individuals with I/DD. During the last legislative session, the Inclusive Postsecondary Inclusive Education Fund was established. This year, the Council is advocating for an additional $3 million to be added to this fund. · Fund New & Existing Postsecondary Inclusive Education Programs for Students with I/DD Finally, the Council will advocate to amend Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law to allow virtual participation of public body members and the general public when no state of emergency or disaster exists, and require official meeting notices include information regarding all available options for the public to participate. · Amend Open Meeting Law to Allow for Virtual Representation & Participation in Public Meetings Get Involved The 2023 Legislative Session begins April10 th and will conclude on June 8 th . Individuals with disabilities, family members, and advocates are encouraged to take part in the Council’s advocacy efforts by participating in upcoming virtual roundtables and legislative visits. · Virtual roundtables will be held by each region of the state. These virtual events are an opportunity to gain more information about the 2023 Legislative Advocacy Agenda and connect with legislators. See the 2023 Legislative Roundtable schedule and register for yours today! · Interested in advocating for these agenda items with your legislator and regional delegation? Reach out to your LaCAN Leader to participate in legislative visits. For questions about virtual roundtables, legislative visits, or participating in other advocacy events, contact your LaCAN Leader or FHF Center . If there are any questions about the information above, contact the Council: phone: 1-800-450-8108 email: info@laddc.org website: www.laddc.org facebook: www.facebook.com/LaDDCouncil twitter: www.twitter.com/LaDDCouncil Sign up to receive LaDDC Newsletters HERE. View all recent LaDDC Newsletters HERE.