The DeSoto Parish School System provides a continuum of direct, related and support services to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities. Educational opportunities are provided for students ages 3-21 at schools throughout the district. Services include, but are not limited to, gifted, talented, speech, OT, PT, health care, and counseling as well as a rigorous classroom placement to help all students improve and reach their potential.

DeSoto Parish Schools assures that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is available to all children with disabilities residing within the jurisdiction of DeSoto Parish between the ages of 3 and 21.

• Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) assists persons with disabilities in their desire to obtain or maintain employment and/or achieve independence in their communities by providing rehabilitation services and working cooperatively with business and other community resources.

• Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) serves as the Single Point of Entry (SPOE) into the developmental disabilities services system and oversees public and private residential services and other services for people with developmental disabilities.

• OCDD Fact Sheet provides information on developmental disabilities.

• Northwest Louisiana Human Services District provides services for persons with developmental disabilities, such as residential placement, flexible family funds, individual and family support, etc. (DD Flyer)

• Supportive Decision Making: A New Alternative to Interdiction (presentation): Supported decision-making (SDM) allows individuals with disabilities to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people they choose. Individuals with disabilities choose people they know and trust to be part of a support network to help with decision-making. Supported decision-making is an alternative to tutorship and interdiction.