Louisiana LEND at the Human Development Center

09/24/2026

FASD is an emerging need in Louisiana. Thank you to WVUE FOX 8 and LEND Director Dr. Krista James for spreading awareness!

09/14/2026

Our LEND Seminar #2 was all about accessibility, screening, surveillance, and diagnostics! 🩺 Our key topics were:

Digital Accessibility
Screening, Surveillance, and Diagnostics
A book discussion about the Anti-Ableist Manifesto

The seminar highlighted that accessibility goes beyond physical spaces. It also includes digital accessibility, communication, and making sure people with disabilities can fully access and understand their healthcare.

08/14/2026

LEND Foundations: Day 5! 🌟 Foundations Week concluded with a focus on Family-Centered Practice, emphasizing the importance of partnering with individuals and families to support meaningful, person-centered outcomes.

On Day 5, our 2026-27 Louisiana LEND Scholars:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Explored person- and family-centered practice with Konstance Causey

🎯 Watched "Including Samuel" and refelcted on inclusion, belonging, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities and their families

🤝 Met their Family Mentors and began building the relationships that will support their learning throughout the LEND year

💡 Learned about solution-focused learning and strengths-based approaches to collaboration

🏛️ Were introduced to legislative engagement and the role advocacy plays in creating systems-level change

What an incredible week of learning, reflection, connection, and growth. We can't wait to see all that this year's scholars accomplish as they continue their Louisiana LEND experience!

08/13/2026

LEND Foundations: Day 4! 🌟 Last Thursday, the 2026–27 Louisiana LEND Scholars exlored interdisciplinary practice—learning how professionals from different disciplines can work together to provide more comprehensive, person- and family-centered care.

Day 4 was all about learning from one another and building a broader perspective! 🤝 Our scholars:

👥 Learned about interdisciplinary practice through a panel featuring Constance Alphonse, Dr. Christina Borgan, Dr. Pinki Prasad, and Claudette Vicks

🌍 Explored what culturally and linguistically appropriate care looks like with Constance Alphonse and Olivia Mensah

📝 Reflected on identity, experience, and perspective through the “Where I’m From” poem

💡 Learned new skills and perspectives from fellow scholar Brittany, Acacia, and Diedrick during Scholar Teaching sessions

08/12/2026

LEND Foundations: Day 3! 🌟 Last Wednesday, our 2026-27 Louisiana LEND Scholars focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an approach that promotes accessibility, inclusion, and opportunities for all learners to succeed.

On day 3, LEND scholars:

☕ Discussed the movie The Peanut Butter Falcon and its connection to self-determination

🧠 Explored an overview of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and their impact across the lifespan

🎨 Visited the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) for a field trip that encouraged learning, reflection, and new perspectives

Day 3 challenged scholars to think about how we can create environments that are welcoming, accessible, and supportive for individuals of all abilities. Through meaningful conversations and hands-on experiences, they continued building the knowledge and skills that will shape their LEND journey.

08/11/2026

LEND Foundations: Day 2! 🌟 Foundations Week continued with a deep dive into Social Determinants of Health, exploring how cultural, social, and logistical factors shape health outcomes and access to care.

On Day 2, our 2026-27 Louisiana LEND Scholars:

(EDIT: A previous version of this post confused day 2 and day 3 of LEND Foundations)

🎓 Heard from LEND alumni about their experiences int eh program and beyon

💡 Learned from fellow scholars Morgan, Lindsey, Armani, Maggie, and Kennedy during Scholar Teaching sessions

🏘️ Explored Social Determinants of Health and how they shape health and well-being with Dr. Shokufeh Ramirez

🎬 Watched The Peanut Butter Falcon and reflected on themes of disability, self-determination, risk, independence, and inclusion

08/10/2026

LEND Foundations: Day 1! 🌟 Last week, our 2026–27 Louisiana LEND Scholars kicked off Foundations Week, a week-long intensive designed to introduce scholars to the historical and theoretical foundations of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programs and establish the framework for their LEND experience.

Day 1 was all about Life Course Theory! Our scholars:
🎲 Put Life Course Theory into action by playing the Life Course Game
🧠 Explored MCH competencies
📚 Learned about the history of disability and disability rights
💡 Learned new skills from fellow scholars Regina, Mari, and Ellenie

Throughout Foundations Week, scholars dive into topics like Social Determinants of Health, Family-Centered Care, Cultural Competence, and Interdisciplinary Teaming — building the knowledge and skills they’ll use throughout their LEND journey.

And this is just Day 1! We can’t wait to see what this group learns, shares, and brings to the table this year.

08/10/2026

Help us give a BIG welcome to our 2026–27 Louisiana LEND Scholars! 💜💛 This incredible group is ready to learn, lead, collaborate, and make a difference for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families across Louisiana.

06/02/2026

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04/30/2026

Join NOAGE - New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ Elders on May 16 for a powerful and informative LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Symposium! 🌈

We are especially proud of 2024 LEND scholar Jakeel Abdullah who is leading the disability-focused portion of this symposium.

This FREE event brings together a diverse lineup of speakers covering important topics in LGBTQ+ health across the lifespan. Whether you're a professional or community member, there’s something for everyone.

✨ Continuing education credits available for social workers and counselors
✨ Free registration for community members
✨ Breakfast & lunch provided

🔗 Register now: tinyurl.com/noagesymposium26

NOAGE is hosting a symposium on LGBTQ+ health and wellness on May 16. There will be a variety of speakers presenting on various topics related to LGBTQ+ health and wellness across the lifespan. Continuing education credits are available for social workers and counselors. Registration/attendance is FREE for community members. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register at tinyurl.com/noagesymposium26