Events in May 2026
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Disability Awareness Day/"From Advocacy to Policy to Impact" Disability Awareness Day/"From Advocacy to Policy to Impact"
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May 4, 2026Monday, May 4, 2026
Louisiana State Capitol
Baton Rouge, LA
“From Advocacy to Policy to Impact”
The Split Second Foundation and the Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs will co-host the annual Disability Awareness Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.
This event will enable disability based organizations to meet and interact with legislators, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs, and state leaders during the 2026 Regular Session to emphasize the importance of their work in their communities.
Disability organizations exist to solve real problems experienced in the community—problems related to access, independence, employment, health, transportation, and quality of life. Yet, the pathway to scaling solutions almost always runs through public policy.
Whether through legislation, regulation, agency programs, or executive action, policy plays a defining role in enabling or constraining innovation and progress for people with disabilities.
This year’s Disability Awareness Day will feature a high-level panel discussion titled “From Lived Experience to Lasting Policy" moderated by Mark Raymond, Jr., Founder and CEO of the Split Second Foundation.
Together, the panel will explore how public policy intersects with disability issues across three major dimensions:
1. Quality of Life: How state programs and policy decisions influence access to healthcare, community-based services, adaptive recreation, independent living, education, and long-term supports.
2. Economic Impact: How disability inclusion, workforce participation, access to supports, and equitable program design can create economic value at both the household and statewide levels—reducing downstream healthcare costs, enabling employment, and expanding economic participation.
3. Advocacy & Engagement: Why community organizations, advocates, and families must stay engaged with legislators, agency leaders, and the executive branch to ensure disability policy reflects real-world needs, modern solutions, and lived experience
The event will also feature exhibitors from various organizations who are pivotal in providing services and support within the disability community.
Join us and lend your voice to advocate for policies that empower this vibrant community.
Questions may be directed to:
Split Second Foundation @ info@splitsecondfoundation.
org. Governor's Office of Disability Affairs @ Disability.Affaris@la.gov
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Your Rights in Special Education Your Rights in Special Education
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May 5, 2026Your Rights in Special Education - Join us as we discuss the rights that parents and students have when it comes to special education and related services, such as parental participation, access to education records, informed consent, prior written notice, your right to disagree with school, and more.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenter: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Co-Host: Hope Miller, FHF of NELA
Audience: Parents, self-advocates, or professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Planning for Adulthood: Part 1 Planning for Adulthood: Part 1
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May 5, 2026Planning for Adulthood: Part 1 - In this training we will discuss the process for planning to move from high school to adulthood when you have an IEP, age of majority and decision-making, post-secondary education options and employment. Join us for this important 2-part series.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenters: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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When You and the School Disagree When You and the School Disagree
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May 7, 2026When You and the School Disagree - Join us to learn more about Louisiana’s Special Education dispute resolution options and what to do when you disagree with the school regarding special education services. We will discuss different informal and formal dispute resolution options offered by the Louisiana Department of Education, and how to request them.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenters: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Co-Host: Cynthia Chesterfield, FHF of GBR
Audience: Parents, self-advocates, or professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Planning for Adulthood: Part 2 Planning for Adulthood: Part 2
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May 7, 2026Planning for Adulthood: Part 2 - In part 2 of this 2-part series we will take on finances, living independently, healthcare in adulthood and recreation and living a fulfilling life for individuals with exceptionalities.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenters: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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The Bridge from High School to Postsecondary Services The Bridge from High School to Postsecondary Services
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May 12, 2026The Bridge from High School to Postsecondary Services - In this webinar, we will discuss the IEP process that is in place to help students move from High School to post-secondary education and other related services. We will also provide an overview of programs and resources available to students entering post-secondary life.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenters: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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Preparing for Work, Part 4: Resources to Support Work Skills Development Preparing for Work, Part 4: Resources to Support Work Skills Development
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May 14, 2026Preparing for Work, Part 4: Resources to Support Work Skills Development - In the final part of this 4-part series, we will look at a variety of resources available to assist families, educators, and other professionals who work with youth and young adults with disabilities develop the skills necessary to seek, obtain, and keep employment.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenter: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Co-Host: Kylie Grizaffi, Bayou Land FHF
Audience: Parents, self-advocates, or professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Preparing for Work, Part 4: Resources to Support Work Skills Development
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No More Summer Slide No More Summer Slide
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May 19, 2026No More Summer Slide - Summer is the perfect time for students of all ages to relax, but it’s also a time when learning about loss and regression can occur. The “summer slide” can happen when children do not engage in educational activities during the summer months. This training will provide you with strategies and fun activities you can do over the long break to help prevent the summer slide.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenters: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Co-Host: Ester Wilson, FHF Region 7
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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2nd Quarterly GACDA Meeting 2nd Quarterly GACDA Meeting
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May 20, 2026The Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs held its First Quarterly meeting of 2026.
Discussions included:
- GACDA Subcommittees
- GODA's Annual Report
- Program Presentations
- Agency Updates
- Open floor discussions
The 2nd quarterly GACDA meeting is scheduled for
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
4th Floor Press Room in the State Capitol
Please note the time and location change from previous announcements.
Any additional questions, contact:
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IEPs, Behavior and Discipline IEPs, Behavior and Discipline
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May 21, 2026IEPs, Behavior and Discipline - The title says it all! In this training webinar we will talk about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, functional behavior assessments, and disciplinary issues in school.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenter: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Co-Host: Mylinda Elliott and Wallace Johnson, FHF of SWLA
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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Youth/Young Adult Hangout -
Introduction to Special Education Introduction to Special Education
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May 26, 2026Introduction to Special Education – Is your child struggling in school? Do you suspect your child could benefit from special education and related services, or is your child newly evaluated? This overview of Special Education and related services will give you a strong foundation on which to build future knowledge. You will learn about the philosophy of special education, the laws, the evaluation process, and some information about the IEP.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenter: Maryury Templet/Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Co-Host: Dianthe' Rose, Northshore FHF
Audience: Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals working with students with disabilities or complex medical needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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All Hazards Emergency Prep for People w/Disabilities Part 1 All Hazards Emergency Prep for People w/Disabilities Part 1
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May 28, 2026All Hazards Emergency Prep for People w/Disabilities Part 1- In this webinar, we will focus on preparing to leave your home on a moment’s notice. What will you need to take if you must get out quickly in case of fire or another emergency.
Venue: Zoom Webinar
Presenter: Karen Scallan, FHF of GNO
Audience: Parents, self-advocates, or professionals working with students with disabilities or special healthcare needs.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
