CHAPTER 4-A. THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY LAW
PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
§451.1. Title; purpose; intent
A. This Chapter shall be cited as the "Developmental Disability Law".
B. It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide for a developmental disabilities
services system that values all persons with developmental disabilities and affirms and
protects their fundamental rights and privileges as citizens of Louisiana and the United States
of America. This system shall be based on the premise established in the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, that disability is a natural part of the human
experience that does not diminish the right of persons with developmental disabilities to
exert control and choice over their own lives, and fully participate in and contribute to their
communities through full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural
and educational mainstream of society.
C. It is the intent of this Chapter to delineate the principles of the system, the rights
of persons with developmental disabilities, the definitions used in this Chapter, the system
process, the roles and responsibilities within the system, and other issues that will guide the
provision of supports and services for persons with developmental disabilities.
D. It is the intent of this Chapter to establish that the office for citizens with
developmental disabilities within the Louisiana Department of Health will be responsible for
the programmatic leadership in the designing and developing of all developmental
disabilities services provided by the department either directly or pursuant to agreements
with public and private providers. It is also the intent of this Chapter to enable the office to
provide developmental disabilities services and supports consistent with the rights and
principles within this Chapter, to the extent possible.
E. It is the intent of this Chapter to establish a system that affirms and supports the
principles of self-determination and full inclusion of all persons with developmental
disabilities to live, work, and participate in leisure activities in their community as they
choose and to the extent possible.
F. This law shall be made available in alternative formats upon request from the
following:
(1) Office for citizens with developmental disabilities.
(2) Human services authorities and districts.
(3) Governor's Office of Disability Affairs.
(4) Developmental Disabilities Council.
(5) The Advocacy Center.
(6) Human Development Center.
G. The provisions of this Chapter shall not be construed to delete, change, affect, or
decrease the requirements of R.S. 17:1941 through 1959 regarding Special School District
No. 1 or the Louisiana Department of Education, or both.
Acts 2005, No. 128, §1, eff. June 22, 2005.