Affiliated Blind of Louisiana

09/04/2026

Affiliated Blind of Louisiana (ABL), in partnership with Evolve Access and the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf(LCD), plans to host a training in January 2027 for Support Service Providers (SSPs) and Sign Language Interpreters focused on effectively working with DeafBlind individuals.

Help us determine the best date and time for this training by completing the availability and interest form. Your feedback will help us schedule the training at a time that best accommodates potential participants.

Please click the link below to complete the form:
https://redcap.link/eeeatzzg

Training Objectives for Support Service Providers (SSP)
Participants will:
• Demonstrate safe human guiding and environmental description techniques.
• Explain the differences between CoNavigator, SSP, interpreter, and facilitator roles.
• Apply consent-based communication and boundary-setting practices.
• Respond appropriately to common real-world scenarios involving safety, navigation, and collaboration.
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Training Objectives for Sign Language Interpreters
Participants will:
• Demonstrate at least three ProTactile or tactile interpreting strategies.
• Distinguish the roles of Interpreter, Support Service Provider, CoNavigator, and other access providers.
• Apply environmental description and spatial mapping techniques in simulated scenarios.
• Incorporate DeafBlind feedback to adjust interpreting approach and improve access outcomes.

Affiliated Blind of Louisiana (ABL), in partnership with Evolve Access and the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf(LCD), plans to host a training in January 2027 for Support Service Providers (SSPs) and Sign Language Interpreters focused on effectively working with DeafBlind individuals.

08/20/2026

Win HALF the Total Pot by purchasing at $20 ABL Raffle Fundraiser ticket. Half goes to the winner and half goes to support ABL's mission. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/TheBigEasy

The Pot is now OVER $2000!! Help us reach our goal!

I'm fundraising for Affiliated Blind Of Louisiana. It's an amazing organization. Everybody please check out my campaign! Find out more and donate here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/TheBigEasy

08/19/2026

Please be advised that the in-person training for DeafBlind participants and Interpreters scheduled for August 26-31 has been cancelled.

We are working on rescheduling the training and will announce the new dates as soon as they become available.
Support Service Provider (SSP) Training:
The Zoom training for SSPs is still scheduled for this Saturday, August 22. SSPs should still attend the Zoom training as planned.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. Please watch for further updates regarding the new in-person training dates.

08/19/2026

Flyer reads: It's not just hands-on, It's hands-in!
For sign language interpreters
This immersive, hands-on training strengthens interpreters' skills when working with DeafBlind individuals in tactile and low-vision environments. Participants practice ProTactile-informed communication, environmental mediation, and collaborative team interpreting through structured activities and real-life scenarios. The workshop emphasizes clarity, pacing, and adaptability while centering DeafBlind autonomy and feedback. Direct coaching and reflection support skill development and professional confidence.
**This workshop is offered at no cost**
Educational Objectives:
Demonstrate at least three ProTactile or tactile interpreting strategies.
Distinguish the roles of Interpreter, Support Service Provider, CoNavigator, and other access providers.
Apply environmental description and spatial mapping techniques in simulated scenarios.
Incorporate DeafBlind feedback to adjust interpreting approach and improve access outcomes.
Lunch will be provided.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/brzB6eA3XXngF8Yr5
This will be presented in American Sign Language (ASL) only. Additional accommodations must be requested to [email protected]
August 29, 2026
Daigle Hall
422 Cherry Street, Lafayette, La 70506
8:00 am - 4:30 pm CST
0.85 CEUS
Presenter Kevin "Keva" Richmond Evolve Access
The Betty and Leonard Philips Deaf Action Center of Louisiana is an approved sponsor of continuing education unit (CEU) activities for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. This program is being offered for 0.85 CEUs at the some/extensive/teaching content level.
ABL shall maintain and enforce policies that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable federal and state law. ABL shall foster a professional environment that promotes mutual respect, inclusivity, fairness, and equal opportunity for all individuals. Services shall be provided in a manner that is free from bias and supports the dignity and rights of all participants.

08/19/2026

https://conta.cc/4xNTi3p

Email from Affiliated Blind of Louisiana We want YOU at Convention! Don’t miss out! Pre-registration ENDS TODAY, Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Pre-register for $80 or $95 at the door. Click "The Big Eas

08/14/2026

https://conta.cc/4gaL4vb

Email from Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Convention Pre-registration Ends in 5 Days! Don't miss the discounted price! Pre-registration ends next Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Click "The Big Easy" below

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

Great time with the Beaver Club of Lafayette today at ABL. Demonstrating tech we use and touring the center after their meeting. Thanks to Larry Lanclos and Bre Prejean for coordinating the event.

08/05/2026

The 2026 Feeling The Big Easy Convention Agenda has finally been posted! Check it out!!

https://conta.cc/4yZ4r2Q

Email from Affiliated Blind of Louisiana The 2026 Convention Agenda is Now Posted! The Agenda is just a click away! Once you click The Big Easy button, scroll down and look for all that the 2026 "Feel

08/04/2026

Picture reads:
Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Present's
Anything Over Rice Cookoff and Farmer's Market
Saturday, October 24, 2026
9am - 2pm
409 W. St. Mary Blvd.
Daigle Hall Entrance
Lafayette, LA 70506
For more information call Bre 337-501-5130
[email protected]
Cost for Wristband
$10 for Adults and Kids 12 and Up
$5 for Kids 5 to 11
Kids under 5 Enter Free
Come out to support a good cause with with lots of delicious food, a wide variety of vendor booths with unique gifts, delicious sweets and a little something for everyone. Support leauxcal! Indoor and outdoor spaces provided! Music provided by Danielle Parisi. Kids Halloween Costume Contest at 1:00!