ABL Giant ABL Rummage Sale Fundraiser!
ABL Community Reach Out
Affiliated Blind of Louisiana would like to introduce a new opportunity for community engagement for the DeafBlind residents of Lafayette. Our goal is to drive better community understanding, deeper support for this disability group, and promoting a caring community. Changing attitudes from apathetic to excited, limited to expansive, and frustrating to encouraging is why we reach out!
Southwest Louisiana has the highest population of DeafBlind citizens in the United States due to Usher Syndrome. This genetic disorder causes a combination of hearing loss and visual impairment. Isolation and lack of communication, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, has limited the independence of the DeafBlind population. Due to this lack of communication, these individuals miss out on pertinent information about community events.
Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Community Reach Out will bring together resources for the DeafBlind population in Lafayette by educating community organizations to better understand the needs of this disability group and provide accessibility during local events.
- Consulting and Collaboration – The ABL Reach Out team will partner with local organizations to facilitate inclusion and community engagement for persons who are DeafBlind. We will guide Lafayette businesses and organizations to incorporate a process for fostering accessibility and inclusion at their local events.
- Interpreting and Support Service Providers - ABL Reach Out will provide platform interpreters and support service providers, using tactile interpreting, to allow for community engagement. Providing these services gives the DeafBlind population access to full participation in local events.
- Marketing – Businesses and organizations that participate in the ABL Reach Out program and promote the value of including DeafBlind and blind neighbors in local events will be featured on local television, radio, and social media platforms.
For more information check out the ABL Community Reach Out event page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/F-Lcgg?vid=wv7e6
Actions and Considerations Due to Covid-19/Coronavirus
Affiliated Blind of Louisiana is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and safety of all students, staff, and visitors. We are continuing to monitor recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well state and local health officials, on an on-going basis for recommendations and to ensure we are following the latest requirements to curb the prevention and spread of the COVID-19/Coronavirus.
Actions
As part of the mitigation strategy, our campus is closed to tours, visitors, and guests; although staff will be working during this time. All on-site events, conferences, and gatherings have been cancelled or postponed, and staff travel for work has been discontinued as well.
Considerations
While staff are working, we will continue to be available by phone, text, video phone, and email and will be providing as many services as possible through these means and/or alternative formats. We understand the importance of our services to the individuals we serve and will do our best to maintain the provision of as many services as possible given these unique circumstances. We will continue to provide updates about any changes through our website, email, and on social media. Please stay safe, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Susan Reed, Program Director, by calling (337)234-6492 or emailing susanr@affiliatedblind.org.