One of the first steps that the Council took was to hold forums in every region of the state to collect input from families and self-advocates so that the services they needed would be targeted. One of the services that families asked for over and over was a single place to get information and services.

The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council formed committees to address the services and supports that families said they needed. One of the committees was Single Point of Entry. While the committee looked at how that could be achieved, other groups of parents and advocates were also addressing similar issues. The State Interagency Coordinating Council was mandated by Federal Law to involved families in the planning and education process of their state initiatives and hired a parent, Debbie Brand, as their coordinators. Debbie received strong support from Ann Farber, Executive Director of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council. Under their leadership, and with funding from the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and SICC, a project in San Jose, California called Parents Helping Parents was contacted for information and training on how to create resource centers in Louisiana.

Each center builds its programs based on the needs of its own region, but the common philosophy and dedication to supporting people with disabilities and their family members to live, work, and play in our communities.