LaCAN Alert 1: Defend Special Education Rights

October 15, 2025

Students with disabilities need your voice!

The U.S. Department of Education has laid off many people who work in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), including Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

OSEP is the federal office that helps protect the rights of students with disabilities. It gives money, training, and guidance to states and schools so students can get the services they need under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Without enough staff, OSEP may not be able to:

Monitor how states follow special education laws
Give support and training to schools
Respond quickly to problems that affect students and families

This means students with disabilities could lose important protections and services they depend on.

Your voice matters. Take time to share your thoughts on special education rights today!

How to Take Action

Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives today. Share your own experience.

Tell them what special education means to you — and how losing staff in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect you, your child, your students, or someone you know.

Email your U.S. Representative as soon as possible.

Find your U.S. Representative HERE.
Enter your zip code (and address if asked)
Your U. S. Representative’s picture will show up on the left. Under the picture, click ✉️ to send your message.

Email both U.S. Senators as soon as possible.

Senator Bill Cassidy → Email Form
Senator John Kennedy → Email Form

Contact your LaCAN Leader if you need help with this alert or would like more information.

Click HERE if you would like to read a joint statement sent out by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD).

Confirm Your Action

Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.

Link to Original LaCAN Alert

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Thank You for Making Active for Autism 2025 a Huge Success!

May 13, 2025

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.