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Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful employment and community integration. We achieve this by delivering comprehensive rehabilitation services and fostering strong partnerships with businesses and community organizations. Our core mission is to empower individuals to obtain, maintain, and advance in competitive, integrated employment, fostering independence and enriching communities throughout Louisiana.
Comprehensive Programs & Services
Blind Services
LRS provides specialized vocational rehabilitation and independent living services tailored to eligible individuals who are blind or visually impaired, ensuring they receive the support needed to thrive.
- Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program: This initiative creates valuable career paths in the food service industry for qualified individuals who are blind, offering opportunities for entrepreneurship and skill development.
- Older Blind/Visually Impaired Program: Expanding independent living services, this program specifically supports individuals aged 55 and older with severe visual impairments, promoting autonomy and enhanced quality of life.
Independent Living Program
Our Independent Living program champions the right for individuals with disabilities to live and participate fully in their chosen home and community settings. We emphasize community-based support and essential services such as information and referrals, independent living skills training, peer support networks, advocacy, and other vital independent living resources.
Louisiana Rehabilitation Council
The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council collaborates closely with LRS to guarantee that individuals with disabilities are actively involved in shaping and delivering vocational rehabilitation services. This partnership ensures services are responsive and effectively meet the needs of Louisianans with disabilities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Going beyond standard job training, our Vocational Rehabilitation Services offer extensive and personalized support. This includes thorough work evaluations and job readiness training, assessments and provisions for assistive technology (like customized computer interfaces), dedicated job counseling, and access to necessary medical and therapeutic interventions, all designed to facilitate successful employment outcomes.
Employer Services
LRS offers Employer Services designed to connect businesses with skilled, job-ready candidates with disabilities. This cost-effective approach saves employers valuable time and resources in recruitment, providing access to a diverse and talented workforce.
Please note that the following programs are now administered by the Department of Health and Hospitals, effective July 2010:
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf
This commission ensures that both public and private services across Louisiana are fully accessible to citizens who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, advocating for inclusivity and equal access.
- Interpreter Services: Providing crucial interpreter services to Deaf individuals in accordance with established regulations. This includes certification and maintenance of a registry for qualified interpreters.
- Telecommunication Access Program: Equipping eligible Louisiana residents with hearing or speech disabilities with essential telecommunication tools such as text telephones, telebraillers, and amplification equipment, bridging communication gaps.
- Community and Family Support Program: Empowering individuals with significant disabilities to achieve community independence through integrated support services. This program offers a cost-effective alternative to institutional care.
- State Personal Care Attendant Program: Offering personal care attendants to individuals with severe disabilities to assist with daily living activities, fostering greater independence and personal care management.
- Traumatic Head and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Program (TH/SCI): Delivering flexible, individualized services to Louisiana residents recovering from traumatic head or spinal cord injuries. The TH/SCI program aims to facilitate a return to optimal functioning and independent living within their communities.
Disability Determinations Services (DDS) is now managed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), formerly the Department of Social Services.
Disability Determinations Services (DDS)
As the state agency responsible for disability determinations under Title II/XVI requirements, DDS assesses eligibility for Social Security benefits for individuals with disabilities under Title II (Disability Insurance Benefits) and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income). The DDS program is entirely federally funded, ensuring critical support for those who qualify.
