If you have not done this yet, get into the OCDD or OAAS system.
Here's what you can do:
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Call your HSD office first.
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Tell them about your disability and what kind of services you need in order to live a full life. Be specific and thorough. The intake person you talk to must understand what prevents you from taking care of your needs.
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Ask them about Medicaid Waivers and what other services you might qualify for.
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There are also some services you may be able to get from OAAS. We'll tell you more about that later.
Click on the boxes below to find your nearest HSD or OAAS office:
These are the regional HSD offices in Louisiana. Call the one closest to you.
Note that some offices are called Districts, and some are called Authorities.
Go to this website for more information. (It will open in a new tab or window.)
Or call this main office:
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Phone: (225) 342-0095
E-Mail: ocddinfo@la.gov
You can also call the OCDD Resource Centers:
These links will open in a new tab on your screen.
Click here for more information about the Resource Centers.
Or call the center closest to you:
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Pineville: Central LA Resource Center on Developmental Disabilities 800-584-8511
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Belle Chasse: Greater New Orleans Resource Center on Developmental Disabilities 225-567-1248
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Hammond: North Lake Resource Center on Developmental Disabilities 225-567-1248
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Bossier City: Northwest LA Resource Center on Developmental Disabilities 318-741-2705
Sources: LDH, OCDD
OAAS: Office of Aging and Adult Services
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Main website (Click to open in a new tab.)
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Main phone number: 866-758-5035
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Email: OAAS.inquiries@la.gov
Here are the regional offices:
(You can click on the name to get more information about that office, or call the number.)
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New Orleans: Region 1 504-568-8568
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Baton Rouge: Region 2 225-219-1917
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Thibodaux: Region 3 985-449-4708
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Lafayette: Region 4 337-262-1635
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Lake Charles: Region 5 337-491-2199
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Alexandria: Region 6 318-767-6053
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Shreveport: Region 7 318-676-7400
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Monroe: Region 8 318-362-5070
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Abita Springs: Region 9 985-871-8389
Source: OAAS
Here's what to expect when you call the HSD or OAAS office:
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They'll meet with you in person to do a face-to-face interview. The purpose of this interview is to find out your 'level of need'. Your 'level of need' is how much you need the support.
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You'll get a written report.
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If you qualify, you'll get a statement of approval. Now you're in the Developmental Disabilities system!
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You will get a Support Coordinator who will help you through the process of getting services.
Click on the box below to see how to qualify:
How do you know if you have a Developmental Disability that qualifies for services?
You should qualify if you:
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have had this disability before you turned 22 years old
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will have this disability for life
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have trouble taking care of yourself, talking with others, learning, moving around, etc.
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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
Sources: LDH, OCDD, OAAS