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, please call our offices." The forum offered phone numbers and promised follow-up materials and recordings to be shared with teachers and families.

Flores described Families Helping Families as one of nine statewide family-directed centers that provide peer support, education, and resource navigation for people with disabilities. The center for Region 4 serves Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes. Flores said the group helps families understand rights, attend IEP meetings, and find healthcare and community resources.

Abshire reviewed the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) programs managed in the Acadiana Area Human Services District. He said OCDD uses school evaluations such as IEPs and pupil appraisal results for eligibility determinations and that OCDD services are provided at no charge to families. Key programs Abshire described include:

- Flexible Family Fund: a cash stipend of $258 per month for extraordinary needs tied to an IEP exceptionality; available through age 18; Region 4 reported 202 slots and a roughly 2½-year waiting list.

- Individual and Family Support: a non‑waiver program funded with state general funds that can cover home modifications, assistive technology, respite, personal care and other supports; local offices prioritize requests because demand outstrips funds.

- Supported Living and Residential Options: supports for adults to live more independently or in supervised community homes, including 24-hour supports when escalated to the state office.

- Waivers: needs‑based waivers (Children's Choice, Supports, Residential Options, and New Opportunities) replace a first‑come, first‑served system. Abshire described Children's Choice as a capped waiver that typically provides about 20 hours per week and said the Supports waiver focuses on vocational/day-program services (about 171 hours per year of minimal in‑home supports). He noted decisions to access the New Opportunities waiver (for up to 24‑hour supports) require state office approval.

Abshire and Flores both described the resource center available through their agencies: psychologists, a behavioral specialist, occupational and physical therapists who can assess needs and recommend appropriate equipment or services. Abshire noted that getting a professional assessment can prevent families from buying inappropriate durable medical equipment that Medicaid may not replace.

Speakers clarified limits and linkages: presenters repeatedly distinguished between support/navigation roles and clinical treatment. Abshire said OCDD and related regional offices provide supports and referrals but do not themselves deliver behavioral health treatment: "We do not provide treatment… We provide supports and services. We can get you to the treatment facility or to the doctor's appointment… but we don't do treatment." Both presenters said they regularly connect families to behavioral health providers and to programs such as Early Steps, the Bureau of Family Health, and LaCAN (the Louisiana Council's Advocacy Network).

The forum closed with practical contact information and next steps. Parents and guardians were asked to call AAHSD at (337) 262-5610 or Families Helping Families of Acadiana at (337) 984-3458 to begin intake or request assistance. The Lafayette Parish School System said it will distribute flyers and recordings to teachers and make materials available to families.

For now, the forum served as an informational session rather than a policy vote or adoption; presenters encouraged early referral and ongoing coordination among schools, families and regional service providers.