“enabling people with disabilities to live independently.”
New Horizons Independent Living Center
Established in 1984, New Horizons Independent Living Center is a private, non-profit, non-residential, consumer-controlled, community-based organization serving the 29 parishes of North Louisiana with offices in Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe.
Welcome to New Horizons!
Changes that make life more satisfying don’t occur overnight. But, for people who are willing to work toward greater independence, New Horizons Independent Living Center can help put the pieces together.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Helen Keller
American author, political activist, and lecturer & the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
About Us
There was a time when people thought “independent living” was limited to “accessible doorways” and “special parking…” but that day is OVER!
Our services are offered to people with any type of disability. We believe that independence can come even to those with the most severe disabilities. Independence starts as an attitude – a desire to take responsibility for one’s own life. Independence continues through the development of knowledge and skills that enable one to control his own activity. Furthermore, New Horizons believes it is the responsibility for those who have achieved a measure of independence to advocate for the removal of all barriers to people with all forms of disabilities. New Horizons believes in the inclusion of all persons with all forms of disability, regardless of origin, age at onset, or degree of disability.
New Horizons believes that each individual is different and unique and should not be treated as if one size fits all. Because of this uniqueness, people with disabilities are in the best position to guide, direct, and control their own lives. We work with consumers with all types of disabilities to assist them in accomplishing their personal goals for independent living. Each independent living plan is as unique as the individual consumer.
New Horizons is funded by federal grants from the Independent Living Administration, state grants from the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and fee-for-service programs.
New Horizons is a member of the National Council on Independent Living and is associated with the Louisiana Statewide Independent living Council.
Partners
Profit by Hiring Employees with Disabilities
Six circles of success studies the way businesses of all sizes are profiting from hiring workers with disabilities. The report breaks down the benefits into six key circles of success: Return on Investment, Social Responsibility, Human Capital, Marketing, Diversity, and Innovation.
News & Info
News Horizons
Covid or the Flu?
Q: Nurse Lynette, how do I know if I have COVID or the Flu?
As I have visited parishes this month, this has been a frequently asked question. COVID and the flu have similarities, but there are some differences.
COVID-19 and the flu have many symptoms in common, ranging from no symptoms to mild to severe: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and nausea or stomach upset.
Because COVID-19 and the flu have such similar symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose which condition you have based on your symptoms alone. Testing may be needed to see if you have COVID-19 or the flu. You also can have both diseases at the same time.
Per an article from Dr. Lisa Maragakis at John Hopkins University, she stated, both the flu and COVID-19 also spread in similar ways. “Droplets or smaller virus particles from a sick person can transmit the virus to other people nearby. The smallest particles may linger in the air, and another person can inhale them and become infected. People can also touch a surface with viruses on it, and then transfer the germs to themselves by touching their face.” Dr. Maragakis also noted the symptoms for COVID-19 and flu appear at different times. COVID-19 symptoms generally appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Flu symptoms usually appear about 1 to 4 days after exposure.” With COVID-19, you may be more likely to experience loss of taste or smell.
The Mayo Clinic also had an article on comparing the flu and COVID. This article stated, “COVID-19 appears to be contagious for a longer time and to spread more quickly than the flu. People infected with the coronavirus or the flu may not realize they are sick for several days, and during that time can unknowingly spread the disease to others before they even feel sick. “Severe illness is more frequent with COVID-19 than with the flu. Compared with historical flu cases, COVID-19 may cause more hospital stays and death for people ages 18 and older, even those who have no other health challenges. Another difference is that the flu can be treated with a few different antiviral drugs. Only one antiviral drug, called remdesivir, is currently approved to treat COVID-19. Researchers are evaluating many drugs and treatments for COVID-19. Some drugs may help reduce the severity of COVID-19.”
LINKS:
COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences – Mayo Clinic
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Employment Specialist
Email: kcarrier@nhilc.org
Phone: (318) 517-0980
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Contact Us
New Horizons
Northwest Louisiana
Address: 1701 North Market Street
Shreveport, LA 71107
Phone: (318) 671-8131
Toll-Free: (877) 219-7327
Fax: (318) 688-7823
New Horizons
Central Louisiana
Address: 3717 Government Street, Suite 7
Alexandria, LA 71302
Phone: (318) 484-3596
Toll-Free: (888) 361-3596
Fax: (318) 484-3640
New Horizons
Northeast Louisiana
Address: 1401 Hudson Lane, Suite 200
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 323-4374
Toll-Free: (800) 428-5505
Fax: (318) 323-5445