Disability Rights Louisiana

11/19/2025

Our community is under attack. We're not going anywhere.

For 48 years, we've been fighting for the civil rights of people with disabilities in Louisiana.

Today, we're facing some of the biggest challenges we've seen in decades: Massive Medicaid cuts. Weakening federal oversight of special education. Policies pushing people back into institutions.

We cannot sit by and watch people with disabilities lose healthcare, get excluded from schools, or be pushed back into institutions after we've fought so hard for their right to live in the community.

We know how to win. And we need you by our side.

Our own federal funding is at risk of being cut. This year-end, we're raising $15,000 to begin building the donor support we'll need as federal funding becomes uncertain. We're already halfway there.

Will you join us? Donate here:

Join us in holding the line for the civil rights of people with disabilities in Louisiana. Since 1977, Disability Rights Louisiana has been fighting for the rights of people with disabilities across our state. Today, our disability community is facing some of the greatest threats we've seen in decad...

11/17/2025

Our disability community is greatly saddened by the loss of Alice Wong, a groundbreaking activist and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, whose passing at 51 leaves an irreplaceable legacy in disability justice.

Daughter of immigrants advocated for people with disabilities to have full autonomy over their lives

11/16/2025

It’s a beautiful day out at Oak Street Po-Boy Festival! We’re hosting an art market today in our parking lot at our office located at 8325 Oak St, in New Orleans. Come by our resource table and say hi!

11/14/2025

Thanks so much to Beignet Fest for including us in their Resource Walk! As you're enjoying the fest tomorrow (Saturday, 11/15), come stop by our table and say hi!

11/14/2025

Help shape our work – take DRLA’s Community Input Survey!

This an opportunity for you to honestly tell us about the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout Louisiana, and how Disability Rights Louisiana (DRLA) can help.

You can take the survey by clicking on this link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QP8LRWQ

DRLA is a not-for-profit organization that protects and advocates for the human and legal rights of people with disabilities of all ages across our state. We work to empower the disability community to live an integrated life, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Nothing you say in this survey will affect your ability to participate in Disability Rights Louisiana’s services in any way.

Thank you for your input!

11/06/2025

Thank you to the 70 supporters who joined us in the garden last Thursday evening. Under the crepe myrtle trees with perfect 60-degree weather and twinkling lights, we gathered for an evening of community and shared purpose.

Executive Director Ranie Thompson explained why DRLA was made exactly for this moment — when our disability community faces unprecedented threats. Program Manager Jeannie Doiron shared how lived experience with disability powers our advocacy and innovation for job seekers in our CAP program. A client family described partnering with DRLA to secure justice, healing, and a brighter future for their brother.

The night offered a reminder that our community is our strength. We were made for this moment because you are with us.

10/18/2025

Come join us at the Westwego Farmers Market for the Inclusive Halloween party hosted by Autism Society of Greater New Orleans! It’s a beautiful day for treats, fun, and helpful resources!

10/17/2025

We'll be there, come by and see us!

Come for trick or treating, stay for lunch or snacks! Food and drinks will be available for purchase at ASGNO's Inclusive Halloween Party from our participating vendors. Join us this Saturday, October 18 from 11-2 at the Westwego Farmers Market, everyone is welcome!

10/11/2025

Today is Election Day!

DRLA will open our Voter Hotline to answer your questions about voting and polling place accessibility issues.

Our staff attorneys and advocates will be on hand from the time polls open at 7:00am until closing time at 8:00pm.

Call our toll free number: 1-800-960-7705

10/10/2025

Tomorrow is Election Day!

On Saturday, October 11th, DRLA will offer our Voter Hotline to answer your questions about voting and polling place accessibility issues.

Our staff attorneys and advocates will be on hand from the time polls open at 7:00am until closing time at 8:00pm.

Call our toll free number: 1-800-960-7705