Lafayette Parish forum outlines local services, waivers and how families can get help

Nicole Flores, executive director of Families Helping Families of Acadiana, and Troy Abshire of the Acadiana Area Human Services District (OCDD) presented a community resource forum organized by the Lafayette Parish School System Department of Special Education on services available to students with disabilities and their families.

The forum, introduced by Ellen Castellanos, program specialist and LEAP Connect supervisor at the Department of Special Education, aimed to make families aware of local and state supports — from peer-to-peer assistance and Early Steps early-intervention referrals to Medicaid waivers and school-transition services. "We don't charge for any of our services," Flores said of Families Helping Families, describing the network as a free, family-directed resource for the region.

Why it matters: Parents and guardians repeatedly heard that early contact with service providers improves access. Speakers said some programs are time-limited or capped, waiting lists exist, and some supports require assessment or eligibility determinations. Troy Abshire emphasized the importance of getting children into the system early: "If you have a child that you feel qualifies for our services,…