1. Exceptional Lives
  2. Louisiana Guides
  3. Employment: How to Prepare for Getting a Job
  4. State programs for people with disabilities
  5. OCDD and OAAS

Applying for OCDD or OAAS services

If you have a disability, it's important to "get into the system".

Here's what to expect when you call the HSD or OAAS office:

  • They'll meet with you in person to do a face-to-face interview. This is an assessment to find out your "level of need". This means how much you need the support.

  • You'll get a written report.

  • If you qualify, you'll get a statement of approval. Now you're in the system!

  • You will get a support coordinator, who will help you through the process.

Click on the boxes below to learn more:

How do you know if you have a Developmental Disability that qualifies for services?

 You should qualify if you:

  • have had this disability before you turned 22 years old

  • will have this disability for life

  • have trouble taking care of yourself, talking with others, learning, moving around, etc.

  • need more care and more services because of your disability

If you cannot live on your own without extra support, you could make a case to qualify.

Source: OCDD

What if you don't qualify?

  • If you disagree, call them back and explain why. Make sure you have described your limitations in detail. Tell them if you have no other services.

  • Ask them what other services you might be able to get. Be persistent!

  • Call one of the support organizations like an Independent Living Center, The Arc, or Families Helping Families. (See the section in the menu on the left about Support Organizations.)

  • Use our Resource Directory to find other services and programs you need.

Explain your needs clearly.

When you call the HSD or OAAS office, you have to help them understand why you cannot live on your own without support.

Say exactly what kind of help you need:

Say exactly the kind of help you need. If you need help with basic job readiness skills, say I need employment related training. If you need personal support on the job, say i need supported employment. If you need special equipment or devices to do a job, say I need accessibility adaptations. Most importantly, be sure to say this: without these services, I would not be able to get or keep a job.

 

People with the most extreme needs will be more likely to get services sooner.

Sources: LDH, OCDD