AMAANA
American Muslims for Accessibility, Advocacy, and Nurturing Acceptance
Acceptance & Accessibility For All.
AMAANA is a Muslim community center aiming to support the needs of Louisiana Muslim families with disabilities; through Acceptance, meaningful Accessibility, ongoing Advocacy in partnership with local Muslim and disability organizations.
What We Offer
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Our staff leads AMAANA with decades of experience caring and advocating for individuals with disabilities/exceptionalities. We are seasoned educators, advocates, community leaders, mothers, sisters, brothers, and allies.
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AMAANA is the only resource center in Louisiana catering specifically to the care of care of Muslims with different disabilities of any age. Our "dayhab" and weekend programming allow members to learn, play, and connect with each other through sensory activities such as baking, crafts, dancing, outdoor play in our private yard, and Islamic & Arabic lessons facilitated by our teachers and volunteers. Our Respite Care services allow parents to enjoy respite knowing their loved ones are well-cared for during AMAANA programming hours, and after hours upon request.
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Our leaders have extensive backgrounds navigating the Louisiana school systems throughout multiple parishes. We know your students' rights and we advocate with schools on your behalf to ensure your student receives the in-school care and programming they deserve.
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AMAANA organizes and invites the community to join our exciting monthly events which celebrate, educate, and advocate for individuals with disabilities and exceptionalities in a safe, sensory-appropriate environment. Proceeds of AMAANA events go towards need-based scholarships, programming, supplies, and additional events.
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AMAANA helps parents apply for different available state programs and services including and not limited to SSD benefits, waiver services, and medical transportation. We also provide education, access to health and wellness resources, translation services, and advocacy for families of individuals with disabilities and exceptionalities.
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AMAANA is proud to offer sponsorships based on individual family needs, thanks to generous contributions and support from our donors.
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Click here if you need special accommodations for Eid Prayers.
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Individual support groups for all caregivers, including mothers, fathers, siblings, and other family members. To participate in our support groups, please submit a Confidentiality Form here.
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Our AMAANA volunteers play a vital, collaborative role in caring for our members and realizing our mission. We provide volunteers with comprehensive training on supporting members with all disabilities, including conflict resolution, fire safety, and CPR training. Volunteers earn volunteer hours for school or university.
Who We Serve
AMAANA was created to serve Muslims living with intellectual and physical disabilities in Southeast Louisiana. Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome to join our community. In addition to our Day Program and Weekend School, AMAANA supports all members of the family through School Advocacy Team (IFSP and IEP meetings support), Respite Care, Medical Resources, Training (understanding disability, disability rights, and transition planning to name a few), Family (sibling, father, support group), Counseling, as well as personal training and well-being programs for mothers.
Noel Abdelfattah, AMAANA Parent
"As a mother of a child with Autism, it was difficult to find support and to understand what my child needs in all aspects of her life including education, peers, achievements, goals, etc. I was approached by a friend about Rana Ottallah and Rawida Abu Khalil and was asked to join in their first meeting about education and understanding IEPs. In this meeting it was a true eye opener and not just to me to all the mothers that joined in that day of what advocating really means and how powerful advocating for your child can really positively affect your child’s life. Rana Ottallah and Rawida Abu Khalil have given me the voice I didn’t know I had for my daughter. They’ve continuously guided me in any situation regarding my child’s best interests. With my voice, I’m no longer kept in the dark about how to help my child become the best she can be. I feel safe and supported by both of these ladies. I’m proud to be a part of AMAANA Organization and Honor what it stands for! I know that this new chapter beginning in our community, it will truly shed light and positively impact all the families that desperately need their advocacy. With the help of AMAANA there is a greater change coming for the families and children with special needs. Let’s do our part and join together to help spread awareness and support for AMAANA! Best wishes to Rana Ottallah and Rawida Abu Khalil for their wonderful efforts and commitment to us in our community!" 
Huda Kasim, AMAANA Parent
“It’s only been a few months that Youssef has been at AMAANA and he’s already learned so much about Islam. AMAANA has given my son a place where not only he belongs, but where he is accepted. Youssef looks forward to Saturday school all week, he literally counts down the days until he can go back.
This organization has helped teach my son about Islam, but it has also given me a community of parents who are going through all the same things that special needs parent encounters throughout their kid’s life. The staff members are all so patient and kind, they all seem so happy to be there. Youssef has been more confident in his communication. I’ll never be able to thank them enough for the joy and love that they have brought to Youssef.”
Nejweh Abukhalil, AMAANA Student
AMAANA is my favorite place to be myself.
AMAANA aspires to hold local Muslim families with disabilities as an “AMAANA” and will do its Fard Kifayah to serve them through Education, strong Advocacy in addition to Language, Physical, Information and Service Access.
Follow us as we grow!
Visit the AMAANA Resource Center
AMAANA’s Resource Center provides Day Program services, weekend school, advocacy, and parent training, in addition to a variety of new programs and activities much needed for local families living with disabilities.
Hours
Monday–Wednesday | 10am–2pm
Saturday | 10am–1pm
All other days by appointment only.
Phone
504-481-4420
Reachable by Call or Text
Location
555 Lapalco Blvd, Suite 110
Gretna, LA 70056