Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Impact at HDC


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Human Development Center

February Newsletter

Collage of activities in 2024: staff presenting at conference, teacher holds infant, scholars smile next to LEND project, young adult jumps happily in air, group at TASH conference.

2024 in Review

As we reflect on 2024, the Human Development Center (HDC) remains steadfast in our mission to advance inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities and their families across Louisiana.

Pie chart showing Continuing Education: 4341, Community Training: 3256, Technical Assistance: 2293, Direct Model Services: 931

Through comprehensive training, innovative programs, and evidence-based practices, we have empowered educators, healthcare providers, families, and community leaders to build more inclusive environments.

Our services reached 11,435 individuals in the 2024 fiscal year.

See our full 2024 recap here

HDC Team Member of the Month

Diane Polk, Early Learning Center

"Diane Polk is one of the great teachers we have in our Early Learning Center (ELC). She is kind and nurturing with children and has developed positive relationships with families. In addition to great customer service, she brings a positive outlook and cooperation to the educational team in ELC. We appreciate Diane's dependability as a team member and commitment to excellence as a teacher."

- Kisha Petty, ELC Director

Learn more about Diane

Nominate an HDC Team Member

Are you a young person with a disability interested in leadership?

Join the Louisiana Youth Leadership Forum

The Louisiana Youth Leadership Forum (LAYLF) is a summer camp for 10th-12th graders with disabilities, focused on empowerment, self-determination, and disability pride.

LAYLF is hosted on a college campus so delegates can experience what it might be like to live away from home, and 100% of our guest speakers are successful adults with disabilities, providing immediate peer mentorship.

The summer camp takes place in Eunice, LA from July 10th-13th

YALF is recruiting delegates (campers) and staff.
Apply by February 29th!

Apply to be a Delegate

Apply for a Staff Position

Initiative News

See what's happening in HDC's initiative areas.

HDC News Page

Asia and Kelly pose back to back. A red YouTube play button appears.

Early Childhood

EHS starts "Family Nights" to strengthen family engagement

Early Head Start Childcare Partnership launched “Family Nights,” a monthly series of parent education seminars designed to strengthen family engagement through the principles of Conscious Discipline. These interactive sessions equip EHS parents with practical strategies to foster emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive behavior in young children.

Learn more

Group of educators showing off their classroom supports.

Transition, Education, Community

Work with LASARD for the 2025-26 school year

As we look ahead to the 2025-26 school year, LASARD remains committed to providing Louisiana educators with the tools and strategies needed to create supportive learning environments for students with disabilities. Through professional development, coaching, and evidence-based resources, LASARD helps schools implement effective practices that promote student success.

Learn more and sign-up