Who We Are
People First of Louisiana:
- Is a self-advocacy group run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities.
- Where people learn to speak up for themselves about decisions they make.
- Members can connect with others in their community, across the nation and around the world.
- Members learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States of America.
- If you would like to join People First, see the “Chapter Portal” section.
Our Story
In 1997, The Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities provided funding to promote self-advocacy for people with disabilities. “People First” chapters, comprised only of people with disabilities, were started across Louisiana. In 2001, self-advocate leaders from those local chapters came together and created a steering committee to begin planning to form a statewide organization. The steering committee met for 10 months to develop a mission statement, plan elections, and plan the first Louisiana conference of People First.
Today, People First of Louisiana has at least one chapter in every region of the state and is committed to the self-advocacy movement in Louisiana. It is the oldest and largest statewide self-advocacy organization in Louisiana and has been the vehicle for providing people with disabilities with a statewide presence, serving on boards, workgroups, and committees representing people with disabilities across the state.
People First of Louisiana is part of a national coalition of organizations for people with disabilities. As a statewide organization, it supports people with disabilities in empowering themselves to become effective decision-makers, gain independence, enjoy life as equal citizens, and actively empower each other to participate in and contribute to their local communities.
Board Members
People First of Louisiana board members are gaining recognition in their local communities, and members are increasingly asked to speak about the organization and the disability rights movement before civic groups, businesses, churches, the legislature, schools, and other community agencies.
Staff
More information coming soon.