Emergency preparedness is vital for all residents, but for individuals with disabilities, it can involve unique challenges and considerations. Our free, hands-on workshops are designed to help individuals with disabilities and their caregivers prepare for emergencies by offering practical guidance, local resources, and personalized support. These trainings are offered at no charge and are provided to the community as part of Disability Access Solutions’ contract with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
Through presentations, breakout sessions, and one-on-one assistance, participants will have the opportunity to:
Learn about disability-specific challenges in emergency situations.
Explore local disaster resources available in their region.
Begin creating a personal emergency preparedness plan.
Trainings & Workshops
We strive to provide the most up-to-date and reliable information for our users, so please check back soon for refreshed events, resources, and updates.
Region 9 Director's Meeting
Region 9 — Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, & Washington Parishes
Regional Director’s Meetings are held to strengthen communication, collaboration, and planning efforts that support communities across Louisiana before, during, and after emergencies. These meetings bring together parish, regional, and statewide partners to share important updates, review current priorities, and align on next steps that help keep residents informed, supported, and resilient.
This meeting will include:
Parish Briefs
Emergency Support Function (ESF) updates
Updates from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
We will also have the opportunity to share our introduction and briefing of the Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE). We’re excited to begin building new connections, exploring future opportunities, and working together toward a stronger and more inclusive Louisiana!
*Closed To The Public*
Training for Quality Support Coordination Inc.
Disability Access Solutions is thrilled to be hosting an emergency preparedness training for staff at Quality Support Coordination Inc.! During this session, participants will dive into the challenges people with disabilities may face during emergencies, explore local disaster resources in their regions, and start building a personal emergency plan.
This training is all about building confidence, boosting readiness, and making sure staff feel supported and prepared. We’re excited to share tools, tips, and resources with a team taking action to keep their staff — and the people they serve — safe before, during, and after emergencies.
*Closed To The Public*
LAVOAD Annual Meeting
On December 8th, the Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (LAVOAD) will be holding its Annual Meeting for its members. This meeting brings together statewide partners and agencies — working in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery — to share updates, plan for future disasters, and strengthen coordination across Louisiana’s emergency management network.
Throughout the session, participants will hear:
Updates from LAVOAD, GOHSEP (Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness), LDH (Louisiana Department of Health), and Feeding Louisiana.
Voting for the 2026 Board of Directors.
An overview of the Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE) program and its role in supporting people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs before, during, and after disasters.
This meeting is designed to support collaboration, planning, and information-sharing across partner organizations and LAVOAD members.
*Closed To The Public*
Learn more about LAVOAD here: https://www.lavoad.org/
Region 6 Director's Meeting
Region 6 — Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Vernon, & Winn Parishes
Regional Director’s Meetings are held to strengthen communication, collaboration, and planning efforts that support communities across Louisiana before, during, and after emergencies. These meetings bring together parish, regional, and statewide partners to share important updates, review current priorities, and align on next steps that help keep residents informed, supported, and resilient.
This meeting will include:
Parish Briefs
Emergency Support Function (ESF) updates
Updates from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
We will also have the opportunity to share our introduction and briefing of the Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE). We’re excited to begin building new connections, exploring future opportunities, and working together toward a stronger and more inclusive Louisiana!
*Closed To The Public*
Region 8 Director's Meeting
Region 8 — Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, & West Carroll Parishes
Regional Director’s Meetings are held to strengthen communication, collaboration, and planning efforts that support communities across Louisiana before, during, and after emergencies. These meetings bring together parish, regional, and statewide partners to share important updates, review current priorities, and align on next steps that help keep residents informed, supported, and resilient.
This meeting will include:
Parish Briefs
Emergency Support Function (ESF) updates
Updates from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
We will also have the opportunity to share our introduction and briefing of the Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE). We’re excited to begin building new connections, exploring future opportunities, and working together toward a stronger and more inclusive Louisiana!
*Closed To The Public*
Region 3 Director's Meeting
Region 3 — Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, & Terrebonne Parishes
Regional Director’s Meetings are held to strengthen communication, collaboration, and planning efforts that support communities across Louisiana before, during, and after emergencies. These meetings bring together parish, regional, and statewide partners to share important updates, review current priorities, and align on next steps that help keep residents informed, supported, and resilient.
This meeting will include:
Parish Briefs
Emergency Support Function (ESF) updates
Updates from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
We will also have the opportunity to share our introduction and briefing of the Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE). We’re excited to begin building new connections, exploring future opportunities, and working together toward a stronger and more inclusive Louisiana!
*Closed To The Public*
Region 2 Director's Meeting
Region 2 — Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, & West Feliciana Parishes
Regional Director’s Meetings are held to strengthen communication, collaboration, and planning efforts that support communities across Louisiana before, during, and after emergencies. These meetings bring together parish, regional, and statewide partners to share important updates, review current priorities, and align on next steps that help keep residents informed, supported, and resilient.
This meeting will include:
Parish Briefs
Emergency Support Function (ESF) updates
Updates from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
We will also have the opportunity to share our introduction and briefing of the Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE). We’re excited to begin building new connections, exploring future opportunities, and working together toward a stronger and more inclusive Louisiana!
*Closed To The Public*
2025 ABL State Convention
Join us at the 2025 ABL State Convention — “You Gotta Bee” — in Lafayette, where members, advocates, and partners come together for two days of learning, networking, and celebration. With convention giveaways, meals, and access to all sessions included in registration, this year’s event is buzzing with opportunities to connect and grow.
Our session (Saturday at 9:30 AM) — “You Gotta Bee” Prepared! — will focus on building personal and community resilience. Emergencies can strike at any time, and this presentation will share practical strategies and inclusive approaches to preparedness, especially for individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Walk away with actionable tools, renewed confidence, and a readiness plan that ensures you can thrive — before, during, and after the unexpected.
For more information: Affiliated Blind Of Louisiana
2025 Louisiana Emergency Management Conference Fall Workshop
Disability Access Solutions is honored to present on the new Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE) program at the upcoming 2025 Louisiana Emergency Management Conference (LEMC) Fall Workshop, hosted by the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association (LEPA) and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
The LEMC Fall Workshop is an educational conference that brings together emergency management professionals from across Louisiana. With engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for preparedness and response, this event is designed to strengthen resilience statewide. A registration fee is required to attend.
We’ve attached the conference’s full agenda for your convenience. Be sure to join us on the final day at 9:45 AM as we introduce the DACE program and explore how it enhances inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities during emergencies.
Presentation at Louisiana Aging Network Association (LANA) Fall Training Conference
The Louisiana Aging Network Association (LANA) is committed to improving the lives of aging citizens across our state. Each year, LANA’s Annual Fall Conference brings together professionals, advocates, and caregivers from across Louisiana to explore critical issues in aging services, share best practices, and strengthen connections across the network.
This two-day event (October 20-21) will offer valuable training, opportunities for collaboration, and the chance to connect with colleagues dedicated to improving the lives of Louisiana’s older adults. Conference attendees do not need to be LANA members to register.
— Our Team’s Presentation —
Join us on Tuesday, October 21 at 2:30 PM as our team presents information about the Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity (DACE). We’ll share how DACE helps the aging and disability communities prepare for and recover from disasters. Our session will also provide practical tools, resources, and strategies that participants can bring back to their own organizations and communities.
Registration and fee are required to attend.
Orleans & Jefferson Parishes — Hurricane Preparedness Training
Join us for a full-day hurricane preparedness training designed to support individuals with disabilities and other functional needs. Residents of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes will gain practical resources and guidance to help strengthen readiness for hurricane season.
The event includes expert-led sessions as well as a resource fair at the end of the day, where agencies and partner organizations will share valuable information and services directly with participants.
Participants will receive tailored information on:
Emergency alerts and communication systems
Evacuation assistance and transportation resources
Accessible resource center options and services
Planning for medical, mobility, and support needs
This training is free, includes lunch, and while specifically designed for individuals with disabilities and functional needs is open to all residents of Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
This event is made possible through partnership and collaboration with:
