The Disability Rights Rally was held on May 7, 2009 at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge.  Over 1000 advocates, consumers, family members and professionals gathered at the State Capitol to celebrate their accomplishments, friendships, advocacy and community.  Over the last two years our policymakers have ensured funding was available for over 3,500 people with disabilities to receive New Opportunities Waiver Slots!  

The annual rally is held to promote Louisiana moving to a culture of supporting and accepting individuals with disabilities as full contributing and inclusive members of their communities.  The issues legislators were asked to consider include:

·  Adding NOW slots to HB1 to help End the Wait for the over 9,500 people on the waiting list

· Requiring DHH to close and sell under used Developmental Centers

· Restoration of provider rates impacted by recent cuts

Rally participants contacted their legislators and let them know they would be at the Capitol for the Rally.  Many legislators came out on the Capitol steps and met their constituents participating in the Rally.  Many participants also had meetings with their legislators directly before and after the rally.  This served as an opportunity for them to share their stories and requests.  For a link to two great slide shows with over 100 pictures from the Rally look below:

http://www.lacanadvocates.org/site/about/picture-wall/2009-disabilities-rights-rally/