About Us

The ATA Lopez Foundation is a Louisiana-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families raising children with disabilities and neurodivergent needs. The Foundation was created to ensure that no family has to navigate complex medical, educational, and support systems alone.

Through free special education support, autism support and resource navigation, caregiver education, inclusive community events, and family support initiatives, the ATA Lopez Foundation works to empower families with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to advocate for their children.

The Foundation also provides direct assistance to families facing hardship, including food, pull-ups, and other essential supplies, while hosting inclusive playdates, educational programming, and community events designed to foster connection, safety, and belonging.

One of the Foundation’s signature initiatives, the Safe Return Program, supports individuals with disabilities who may be at risk of wandering or elopement by helping families access additional safety resources and supports.

The ATA Lopez Foundation is a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce and has been recognized for its community impact across the Baton Rouge area and surrounding parishes. The Foundation has received honors including Best of Baton Rouge – Nonprofit, Family Favorites – Special Needs Service, Family Favorites – Nonprofit Organization, and recognition as a 2025 Baton Rouge Area Activists Honoree. The organization’s work has also been featured in Parents Magazine, Unfiltered with Kiran, and POWER Magazine.

At its core, the ATA Lopez Foundation is built on the belief that informed and supported families create stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities for everyone.

 Empowering every family to feel supported and confident in advocating for themselves and their child, while fostering a more inclusive community. 

 Our mission is to empower families through advocacy and education while working to close gaps and create inclusive, connected communities. 

The ATA Lopez Foundation was founded by Paije Lopez, a mother of three children with special needs—Aiden, Tony, and Adrian—whose names form the inspiration behind the organization.

Paije’s advocacy journey began through her own experiences navigating special education systems, medical care, therapies, and support services for her children. Like many families, she faced confusion, isolation, and a lack of accessible guidance while trying to ensure her children received the services and support they needed. Through years of research, advocacy, and lived experience, she became deeply committed to helping other families avoid the same challenges.

Determined to create a place where families could find support, understanding, and reliable guidance, Paije established the ATA Lopez Foundation to bridge those gaps and help families feel less alone in their journey.

In addition to leading the Foundation, Paije serves as President of the Florida Parishes Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and is an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and the Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network (LaCAN). Through these roles, she works alongside families, professionals, and policymakers to advocate for improved systems of care, education, and accessibility.

Paije is a Certified Neurodiversity Coach, Board Certified in Advocacy in Special Education through the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, holds an Autism Certificate (AC) through IBCCES, and has completed Human Rights Consultant certification training. She has also completed extensive additional professional training in autism, child development, disability support and more.

Her leadership is guided by both professional training and lived experience, with a strong commitment to ethical advocacy, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and empowering families with accurate information and resources.

Above all, Paije believes that families should never have to fight for support alone, and that when communities come together to support children with disabilities and their caregivers, everyone benefits.