Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities | Louisiana Department of Health
Source: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/office-for-citizens-with-developmental-disabilities
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:25
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities | Louisiana Department of Health
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
Offices & Administration
Divisions
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) serves as the Single Point of Entry (SPOE) into the developmental disabilities services system and oversees public and private residential services and other services for people with developmental disabilities.
OCDD conducts an assessment of people who request services to determine the person’s eligibility for system entry. Eligibility is based on the definition of developmental disability contained in
Louisiana R.S. 28:451.1-455.2.
The
human services districts/authorities
serve as the points of entry for individuals to receive services.
Did
You
Know?
To locate services, contact your Local Governing Entity.
Local Governing Entities - Districts & Authorities
Mission
The mission of the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities is to provide programmatic leadership necessary in the design and development of services to afford people with developmental disabilities and their families a seamless services system that is responsive to both individual needs and desires.
Vision
A society that promotes partnerships and relationships that empower people with developmental disabilities to live fully integrated and valued lives.
Values
Accountability - People set goals, plan what needs to be done, do the work, monitor progress, report results, evaluate, exchange feedback and take responsibility for their actions.
Choice - People have the opportunity to learn about options and use this information to make their decisions.
Clarity - Openness, honesty and accountability in all services, supports and information. All information is known and understood by everyone.
Cultural Sensitivity - People regardless of cultural differences are to be treated with respect and dignity to fairly meet their needs.
Dignity - People are valued and the system supports their sense of pride and self respect.
Empowerment - People act on issues they define as important.
Inclusion - People take part in their communities of choice, including taking part in policies and program planning.
Partnership - People work together in shared decision making to achieve common values.
Person/Family DrivenServices System - People are at the center of the system and their needs and preferences determine how services are provided.
Quality - People achieve desired outcomes.
Accountability - People set goals, plan what needs to be done, do the work, monitor progress, report results, evaluate, exchange feedback and take responsibility for their actions.
Guiding Principles
The OCDD values all people and protects their rights and privileges as citizens of Louisiana and the United States of America.
People have the power to make decisions about services and supports, how they are delivered and by whom. The necessary services, supports and information are received promptly.
Services and supports are designed to allow people to remain in their communities or locations of choice, support people to achieve valued outcomes, develop meaningful relationships and attain quality of life as defined by the person.
Services are flexible, and personal outcomes and goals are considered in the development of individualized supports for each person.
Family supports enable people to live in stable environments with lasting relationships while existing natural supports and community resources are promoted and utilized.
The needs of the entire family are considered in the development of services and supports.
The OCDD system values and respects services agencies and workers who provide supports.
The OCDD system is easy to navigate, user friendly and culturally sensitive. People are able to access services, supports and information through a single point of entry, which is person-centered. The services system is a seamless, flexible and responsive system of various services and supports through various stages of life.
There is a partnership to assist with practices, communication, procedures, information and support so people who rely on services and supports feel confident that effective safeguards are in place and problems will be addressed quickly and effectively.
The OCDD promotes cost-effective delivery of services.
The OCDD is always seeking continuous improvement by which there is meaningful and consistent involvement by people in policy development, agenda and priority setting.
Services
Early Steps
EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers aged birth to three years (36 months) who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays.
Learn more
My Place Louisiana
Individuals with developmental disabilities who are currently residing in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD) or nursing facility (NF) who meet My Place Louisiana program eligibility requirements can receive My Place Louisiana assistance to transition from a qualified institution to a home and community-based living setting of the individual's choice.
Learn more
SIMS
Critical Incident Reporting
Critical incidents for OCDD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver participants are defined in OCDD Operational Instruction #F-5: Critical Incident Reporting, Tracking and Follow-Up Activities for Waiver Services.
More Information
Waiver Services
OCDD is charged with coordinating statewide services in a manner that is accessible to Louisiana individuals and families who require specialized supports and services.
Children's Choice
New Opportunities Waiver
Residential Options Waiver
Supports Waiver
Potential to Inspire—Meet Jill Hano
Born with cerebral palsy, River Ridge native Jill Hano has transformed her life into a powerful testament to resilience and leadership.
Read Jill's Story
The Arc of Caddo-Bossier - an OCDD Licensed Service Provider
The Arc Caddo-Bossier, a nonprofit agency located in Shreveport, proudly serves Northwest Louisiana by living out its mission of “building unlimited opportunities for people with disabilities.
Learn more
Leadership
Bernard Brown
Interim Assistant Secretary
Christy Johnson
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Dr. Brandi Kelly, Phd
Clinical Services Director/OCDD Resource Center
Dr. Amy Greer, Phd
OCDD Access, Education, Research Director
Erin Downing
Interim Deputy Assistant Secretary/Senior Advisor
Contact Us
Phone
225-342-0095
Toll Free
1-866-783-5553
Fax
1-888-411-1333
Email
[email protected]
Local Governing Entities/Districts & Authorities
News
Feb 11, 2026
HCBS Rate Study
Feb 04, 2026
LDH expands the Louisiana Carrot Initiative to East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes
Feb 02, 2026
LDH announces SNAP replacement benefits for 8 parishes impacted by winter storm
More News
See all OCDD Resources
More Resources
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
Offices & Administration
Divisions
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) serves as the Single Point of Entry (SPOE) into the developmental disabilities services system and oversees public and private residential services and other services for people with developmental disabilities.
OCDD conducts an assessment of people who request services to determine the person’s eligibility for system entry. Eligibility is based on the definition of developmental disability contained in
Louisiana R.S. 28:451.1-455.2.
The
human services districts/authorities
serve as the points of entry for individuals to receive services.
Did
You
Know?
To locate services, contact your Local Governing Entity.
Local Governing Entities - Districts & Authorities
Mission
The mission of the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities is to provide programmatic leadership necessary in the design and development of services to afford people with developmental disabilities and their families a seamless services system that is responsive to both individual needs and desires.
Vision
A society that promotes partnerships and relationships that empower people with developmental disabilities to live fully integrated and valued lives.
Values
Accountability - People set goals, plan what needs to be done, do the work, monitor progress, report results, evaluate, exchange feedback and take responsibility for their actions.
Choice - People have the opportunity to learn about options and use this information to make their decisions.
Clarity - Openness, honesty and accountability in all services, supports and information. All information is known and understood by everyone.
Cultural Sensitivity - People regardless of cultural differences are to be treated with respect and dignity to fairly meet their needs.
Dignity - People are valued and the system supports their sense of pride and self respect.
Empowerment - People act on issues they define as important.
Inclusion - People take part in their communities of choice, including taking part in policies and program planning.
Partnership - People work together in shared decision making to achieve common values.
Person/Family DrivenServices System - People are at the center of the system and their needs and preferences determine how services are provided.
Quality - People achieve desired outcomes.
Accountability - People set goals, plan what needs to be done, do the work, monitor progress, report results, evaluate, exchange feedback and take responsibility for their actions.
Guiding Principles
The OCDD values all people and protects their rights and privileges as citizens of Louisiana and the United States of America.
People have the power to make decisions about services and supports, how they are delivered and by whom. The necessary services, supports and information are received promptly.
Services and supports are designed to allow people to remain in their communities or locations of choice, support people to achieve valued outcomes, develop meaningful relationships and attain quality of life as defined by the person.
Services are flexible, and personal outcomes and goals are considered in the development of individualized supports for each person.
Family supports enable people to live in stable environments with lasting relationships while existing natural supports and community resources are promoted and utilized.
The needs of the entire family are considered in the development of services and supports.
The OCDD system values and respects services agencies and workers who provide supports.
The OCDD system is easy to navigate, user friendly and culturally sensitive. People are able to access services, supports and information through a single point of entry, which is person-centered. The services system is a seamless, flexible and responsive system of various services and supports through various stages of life.
There is a partnership to assist with practices, communication, procedures, information and support so people who rely on services and supports feel confident that effective safeguards are in place and problems will be addressed quickly and effectively.
The OCDD promotes cost-effective delivery of services.
The OCDD is always seeking continuous improvement by which there is meaningful and consistent involvement by people in policy development, agenda and priority setting.
Services
Early Steps
EarlySteps provides services to families with infants and toddlers aged birth to three years (36 months) who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays.
Learn more
My Place Louisiana
Individuals with developmental disabilities who are currently residing in an Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD) or nursing facility (NF) who meet My Place Louisiana program eligibility requirements can receive My Place Louisiana assistance to transition from a qualified institution to a home and community-based living setting of the individual's choice.
Learn more
SIMS
Critical Incident Reporting
Critical incidents for OCDD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver participants are defined in OCDD Operational Instruction #F-5: Critical Incident Reporting, Tracking and Follow-Up Activities for Waiver Services.
More Information
Waiver Services
OCDD is charged with coordinating statewide services in a manner that is accessible to Louisiana individuals and families who require specialized supports and services.
Children's Choice
New Opportunities Waiver
Residential Options Waiver
Supports Waiver
Potential to Inspire—Meet Jill Hano
Born with cerebral palsy, River Ridge native Jill Hano has transformed her life into a powerful testament to resilience and leadership.
Read Jill's Story
The Arc of Caddo-Bossier - an OCDD Licensed Service Provider
The Arc Caddo-Bossier, a nonprofit agency located in Shreveport, proudly serves Northwest Louisiana by living out its mission of “building unlimited opportunities for people with disabilities.
Learn more
Leadership
Bernard Brown
Interim Assistant Secretary
Christy Johnson
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Dr. Brandi Kelly, Phd
Clinical Services Director/OCDD Resource Center
Dr. Amy Greer, Phd
OCDD Access, Education, Research Director
Erin Downing
Interim Deputy Assistant Secretary/Senior Advisor
Contact Us
Phone
225-342-0095
Toll Free
1-866-783-5553
Fax
1-888-411-1333
[email protected]
Local Governing Entities/Districts & Authorities
News
Feb 11, 2026
HCBS Rate Study
Feb 04, 2026
LDH expands the Louisiana Carrot Initiative to East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes
Feb 02, 2026
LDH announces SNAP replacement benefits for 8 parishes impacted by winter storm
More News
See all OCDD Resources
More Resources
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Powered by
Cicero Government