Join Us for Disability Awareness Day at the Louisiana Legislature
Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol is a collaborative effort to elevate the voices of people with disabilities, increase legislative awareness of the challenges facing the community, and advocate for policy solutions that enhance inclusion, accessibility, and quality of life across Louisiana. We aim to remind legislators that disability can impact anyone—suddenly and permanently—and that strong systems of support are vital. This day provides a platform for organizations, individuals, caregivers, and advocates to engage directly with elected officials and share stories, priorities, and policy recommendations.
List of Services
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8:30 - 9 amList Item 1
Partner Organization Set-Up (Rotunda outside Senate chamber)
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9:30 - 10:30 amList Item 2
Disability Day Speaker Program
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10:30 am - 12 pmList Item 3
Legislative Networking & Tabling Engagement
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12 - 1 pmList Item 4
Lunch (Provided – Press Room)
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1 - 2 pm
House & Senate Floor Recognition
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2:30 - 4:30 pm
Panel Discussion – Disability is an Economic Issue: How Disability Inclusion Drives Economic Growth
The Economic Impact of Disability Inclusion
This panel will explore the economic implications of disability and how strategic inclusion can drive long-term growth and innovation. As the largest minority group in the country, people with disabilities represent an underutilized economic force. This conversation will examine the intersection of policy, workforce development, health outcomes, and inclusive tourism, asking: how can we reimagine systems to unlock the full economic potential of people with disabilities?
Themes to be addressed:
- The cost of exclusion: healthcare, unemployment, and poverty
- The workforce gap: rethinking recruitment, retention, and accommodation
- Inclusive tourism: untapped markets and smarter cities
- System redesign: building infrastructure and policy for equitable participation
- Strategies for public and private sector collaboration
Meet Our Panelists
Moderator: Mark Raymond, Jr.
Founder & CEO, Split Second Foundation | Director of Outreach, ABLE Today
Kendra Davenport
President & CEO, National Easterseals
Representing over 100 years of service to individuals with disabilities and their families, Kendra brings a national perspective on service delivery, policy, and inclusion.
Kevin Ferguson
Vice President, External Affairs, New Orleans & Company
Kevin will share insights into how disability-inclusive tourism impacts local and state economies, and how
accessibility enhances destination growth.
Dr. Maurice Sholas
Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dr. Maurice Sholas is board-certified in pediatric rehabilitation medicine by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He will explore how social determinants of health and accessible services influence economic participation and cost-saving for government systems.
