"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the

only thing that ever does."

Margaret Mead                                                  

What is LaCAN?

LaCAN  (Louisiana Citizens for Action Now) is the statewide grassroots network of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, and consists of individuals, families and advocates who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a service system that supports individual with disabilities to live in their own homes rather than having to be segregated from their communities in a facility to receive needed services.

As a result of tremendous advocacy efforts by LaCAN and other advocates for people with developmental disabilities, the state's budget included funding sufficient for a minimum of 2,025 additional NOW slots more New Opportunities Waiver ("NOW") slots for people with developmental disabilities than have ever before been secured in one year!  Advocates were also successful in defeating a bill by Rep. James Fannin, HB914, that would have changed the 2007 law that created the NOW slots.  HB 914 (which was in the Governor's legislative package) passed out of committee without opposition and was passed unanimously by the House, very strong grassroots advocacy efforts directed to the Senate Finance Committee and the Governor's Office were effective in stopping the bill.

"The seemingly unattainable is realized through the resolve of many."

                                            Henry Ford

Look for local quarterly events information comming soon!!

If you have any questions feel free to contact Carmen O'Mara @ 985-875-0511 or comaranfhf@bellsouth.net

LaCAN membership

Talking points