The Louisiana Department of Health Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports EarlySteps program opens its accessibility from contracted vendors to regional operations.
EarlySteps is Louisiana’s early intervention program for children from birth through age 2, providing services for those who have a medical condition affecting developmental growth. Children with delays in cognitive, motor, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive development may be eligible for services.
The move is part of OIDD’s “No Wrong Door” approach for entry into the developmental disabilities system: Referrals can come from any source, but there is one place for evaluating eligibility. The transition supports OIDD’s vision for a more coordinated, efficient, and person-centered model for individuals and families entering the intellectual and developmental disabilities service system.
“Our goal is to make it easier for Louisiana families to connect with the services their children need,” said Assistant Secretary Bernard Brown. “By bringing EarlySteps entry into our regional offices, we want families to spend less time navigating the system and more time getting the support that can make a difference in their children’s lives.”
This program and EarlySteps are committed to ensuring that Louisiana children and families receive the early intervention services they need.
More information is available at ldh.la.gov.
