The Independent Futures that Work! project is a joint effort of the Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The primary purpose of this 5-year project is to build the competence and confidence of young adults with disabilities in Region B-2 to access independent living and employment services so they can more successfully transition from the youth entitlement system to the adult eligibility system. Our Resource Center will also help family members and professionals improve their capacity to support these young adults with disabilities on their journey.
Independent Living, Here We Come Toolkit
This toolkit was made for young people with disabilities who want to learn to live on their own. It was also made for their family members who want to help. It is also a great tool for adults with disabilities who want to live on their own and for people who want to be better at taking care of themselves with less help.
National Resources
Independent Futures that Work provides transition resources that will help individuals and families explore future options, including transitioning to independent living, employment and education. This program provides assistance through trainings and workshops, resource downloads, and individual assistance.
Expect, Engage, and Empower: Successful Transitions for All! New Initiative To Improve Postsecondary Outcomes for Students With Disabilities. This initiative will challenge the field to join OSEP to raise expectations, engage families earlier, and empower all who support transition services to measurably and significantly improve postsecondary outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and their families.
The ADA National Network’s Employment Resource Hub is Live! – This new resource is a way to introduce new materials and centralize existing information about disability and employment from our regional ADA Centers and other partners. Our Employment Resource Hub makes it easier to find information about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace, from job interviews to performance evaluations and everything in between. It has materials designed for every stage of employment!
The Employment Resource Hub is broken up into nine different sections addressing specific issues related to employment and the ADA: basics, pre-employment, reasonable accommodation FAQs, a guide to requesting reasonable accommodations, addiction and recovery, service and support animals, mental health, veterans, and work-leave.
Louisiana Resources
Featured Resource – Louisiana offers several inclusive higher education programs that allow students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy their college experience. These programs are Comprehensive Transition Programs (CTP). CTPs are degree, non-degree, or certificate programs for students with intellectual disabilities. These programs are designed to give students opportunities to grow educationally and socially.
Independence
Compilation on Driving Assessment and Paratransit Services Across Louisiana
Priority Area: Transportation
Description: Driving assessments and paratransit services across the state.
Louisiana Transit Providers Guide (DOTD)
Priority Area: Transportation
Description: The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Public Transportation Section has published the Louisiana Transit Resource Guide to inform citizens, public officials, administrators, transit managers, and other interested parties about the availability of public transportation in Louisiana.
Louisiana Workforce Commission
Priority Area: Advocacy/Self-Advocacy
Description: The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council listens to the concerns of those with disability issues, reviews, analyzes and evaluates the state rehabilitation program, collaborates with other state agencies, organizations and consumer groups.
Louisiana Statewide Independent Living Council
Priority Area: Advocacy/Self-Advocacy
Description: The Louisiana Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to support the efforts of our citizens with disabilities to live independently in the community of their choice.
Client Assistant Program (DRLA)
Priority Area: Advocacy/Self-Advocacy
Description: The Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides assistance and information as well as advocacy to people with disabilities who are getting or applying for services under the Rehabilitation Act.
Programs included are Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living Services and Projects with private firms. Each state and territory in the US has its own program.
DRLA Supported Independent Living Advocacy Program (SILAP)
Priority Area: Advocacy/Self-Advocacy
Description: The Supported Independent Living Advocacy Program provides free services to persons with developmental disabilities residing in supported independent living environments in Human Services Districts I, II, and X.
Independent Living, Here We Come Toolkit
This toolkit was made for young people with disabilities who want to learn to live on their own. It was also made for their family members who want to help. It is also a great tool for adults with disabilities who want to live on their own and for people who want to be better at taking care of themselves with less help.
Resources for Independent Living, Inc. Webpage
Priority Area: Obtain Information on Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services
Description: Resources for Independent Living provides independent living services in Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge and all parishes in between.
Southwest Louisiana Independence Center, Inc. Webpage
Priority Area: Obtain Information on Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services
Description: @SLIC provides independent living services in Central and Southwest Louisiana.
New Horizons Independent Living Center Webpage
Priority Area: Obtain Information on Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services
Description: NHILC provides independent living services in North Louisiana
Independent Living Program Website – Louisiana Workforce Commission
Priority Area: Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation & Independent Living Services
Description: Webpage briefly goes over the Independent Living Program in Louisiana and where you can apply for services.
Independent Living Program Website – Louisiana Workforce Commission
Priority Area: Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation & Independent Living Services
Description: Webpage briefly goes over the Independent Living Program in Louisiana and where you can apply for services.
Louisiana Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
Priority Area: Support for Transition & Employment
Description: LAWIPA provides free assistance to beneficiaries of Social Security disability benefits who are working or want to work.
On Your Own Behalf: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to LRS Appeals
Priority Area: Support for Transition & Employment
Description: “On Your Own Behalf” is a guide to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) appeals system. It was written to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to challenge – or appeal – a decision made by LRS.
Ticket to Work Program – Louisiana
Priority Area: Work Support for Transition & Employment
Description: Brochure about the Ticket to Work Program in Louisiana (LRS)
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) Website
Priority Area: Obtain Information on Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services
Description: LRS assists persons with disabilities in their desire to obtain, maintain or advance in competitive integrated employment.
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) Regional Offices
Priority Area: Obtain Information on Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services
Description: List of regional offices, around the state, where clients can obtain LRS services.
LRS Blind Services Webpage
Priority Area: Obtain Information on Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services
Description: Webpage from LRS that discusses supports and services for individuals who are blind/visually impaired.
Your Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation / LRS Client Handbook
Priority Area: Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation & Independent Living Services – Work
Description: A guide to help explain vocational rehabilitation and how you can make it work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Priority Area: Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation & Independent Living Services – Work
Description: Frequently Asked Questions about Vocational Rehabilitation Services (LRS)
Knowing the Road: A Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation
(From Disability Rights LA)
Priority Area: Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation & Independent Living Services
Description: “Knowing The Road” is a guide to the services offered by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS).
My Life, My Way (Louisiana Workforce Commission)
Priority Area: Developing IPEs
Description: An interactive website that gives an estimate of “cost of living” based on money earned and/or career chosen.
Star Jobs (Louisiana Workforce Commission)
Priority Area: Developing IPEs
Description: An interactive website that offers the opportunity to explore career options.
Employment rights of individuals with disabilities: Under the ADA, Section 503/504 and LA Law (Disability Rights Louisiana)
Priority Area: Understanding The Rehabilitation Act
Description: Employment Rights of Individuals with Disabilities: Under the ADA, Section 503/504 and LA Law (DRLA)
4-Part Webinar Series – Introduction to Work for Young Adults with Disabilities and Their Families
Project Partners
Visit our Partner Sites.
- Alabama: The Alabama Parent Education Center
- Arkansas: The Center for Exceptional Families
- Mississippi: Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma Parent Center
- Texas: Partners Resource Network
RSA Social Media Pages
Updated 9/30/2024
