Events in May 2026
| MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday | SunSunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 27, 2026 |
April 28, 2026(1 event) – Getting Involved! How to Let your Voice be Heard! - As an individual with an exceptionality or family member, knowing how to speak up effectively is critical. There are many ways to get involved and lots of organizations to help. This can be done through education, outreach, and grassroots organizing. Join us to learn the basics on how to become effective in working for systems change and which organizations are here to support you along the way. 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. |
April 29, 2026 |
April 30, 2026 |
May 1, 2026 |
May 2, 2026(1 event) –
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May 3, 2026 |
May 4, 2026(1 event) N/A Monday, 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. Governor's Office of Disability Affairs @ Disability.Affaris@la.gov |
May 5, 2026(2 events) – Your 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 - 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. |
May 6, 2026 |
May 7, 2026(2 events) – When 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 - 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. |
May 8, 2026 |
May 9, 2026 |
May 10, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 |
May 12, 2026(1 event) – The 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. |
May 13, 2026 |
May 14, 2026(1 event) – Preparing 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 |
May 15, 2026 |
May 16, 2026 |
May 17, 2026 |
May 18, 2026 |
May 19, 2026(1 event) – No 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. |
May 20, 2026(2 events) –
 – The Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs held its First Quarterly meeting of 2026. Discussions included:
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: |
May 21, 2026(1 event) – IEPs, 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. |
May 22, 2026(1 event) – |
May 23, 2026 |
May 24, 2026 |
May 25, 2026(1 event) May 25, 2026 Office Closed |
May 26, 2026(1 event) – Introduction 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. |
May 27, 2026 |
May 28, 2026(1 event) – All 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. |
May 29, 2026 |
May 30, 2026 |
May 31, 2026 |
