Louisiana DeafBlind Project News

LADBP Celebrates DeafBlind Awareness Week

The Louisiana DeafBlind Project for Children and Youth (LADBP) is featured in Helen Keller National Center’s 2021 DeafBlind Awareness video campaign.

St. Bernard Parish Evacuation Plan Exercise Needs People with Disabilities

St. Bernard Parish is exercising their ability to evacuate the parish in case of disaster.  It is important to the St. Bernard Office of Emergency Preparedness Director, John Rahaim, that they know that they can respond to everyone including people with disabilities.  Director Rahaim is asking that people with disabilities help by showing up for the disaster plan exercise on June 30, 2021 at 8 AM.  The exercise will take place at the Grand Ballroom, 3220 Jean Lafitte Parkway, Chalmette, LA.

Director Rahim also welcomes people who can speak other languages, including American Sign Language.   EMDAC thanks St. Bernard for their desire to serve the entire community, and we hope that people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs can attend and help St. Bernard to BE PREPARED for disasters!

Be a part of the new way to Relay

From Hamilton Relay:

Louisiana Relay is excited to announce the launch of our desktop Real-Time Text Trial. We are looking for testers in Louisiana who meet the following criteria:

• Deaf or combined Deaf and Low Vision
• Have high-speed internet
• Willing to complete online surveys sharing your experience
• Willing to use the device for 90 days

This trial will test first-of-its-kind technology that brings Real-Time Text (RTT) capabilities to a digital desktop phone. RTT phones may be a replacement for TTY machines and an enhancement to Video Relay Service. RTT allows both parties to communicate with both voice and text at the same time which allows for a smoother, more real-time experience. 

We value feedback from the community, and it would be a great impact if you or someone you know tested this innovative phone!

What is Relay Service:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) connects individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking with family, friends and businesses over the phone. With specialized telephone equipment, individuals can communicate with standard telephone users through the use of specially trained Communication Assistants who facilitate the calls.

About the Louisiana Deafblind Project

Does your child or student have vision and/or hearing loss? We can help! The Louisiana Deaf Blind Project can provide:

• Information on deafblindness including effective strategies to support children and youth with hearing and vision loss
• Family Support
• Webinars
• Training
• Technical assistance

Services are confidential and are provided at no cost to school districts, families, or service providers.

Visual Phonics 2021 Summer Training

with Pamela Hughes
July 19, 20, 21
12:30–3:30 PM CST
Virtual Online
$175/participant (check, credit card, or post order)
Registration deadline: 7/9/2021
Minimum of 12 participants required for training

Research Participation Survey on Inclusion

Laverne Traylor, a Louisiana educator and graduate student at Southeastern Louisiana University is requesting your participation in a research study to determine perceptions of educational inclusion of students with disabilities.  Students with disabilities , their parents and their advocates are encouraged to participate by completing the linked survey below.  Thank you for your consideration. 

Please take the survey HERE.

Mountain Bike Camp for 18-20-Year-Olds in the Colorado Rockies!

Shared by request of the Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing:

Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
Mountain Biking and Leadership Camp
August 12-17, 2021

Celebrating Your Everyday Contributions

The Acquired Deafblindness Network (ADBN) is inviting new participants into its renewed network. ADBN would like to celebrate the contributions made every day by people living with acquired DeafBlindness. Acquired DeafBlindness comes with challenges, but those living with acquired DeafBlindness contribute to the lives of their families, their communities, and society in general in many ways.

ADBN wants to hear about your contributions. For more information, please go to the ‘Celebrating Everyday Contributions’ section of the ABDN website here: Celebrating Your Everyday Contributions – Welcome to the Acquired Deafblindness Network (deafblindinternational.org)

Feeling Through at the Oscars

Feeling Through, nominated for the 2021 Academy Awards, is the first film to cast a DeafBlind actor in the lead role. The film has now connected thousands of people to the missions of DeafBlind communities around the world. Watch their journey to the Oscars here:

BBC Article on Ableist Language

The BBC has posted an article on “ableist” language. We at HDC believe in educating the community when it comes to things they say or do and how it can help or harm the people around them. To learn about ableist language, click the button below.

FREE Virtual Youth Peer Learning Group from Helen Keller National Center

HKNC South Central, North Central, and New England Regions are collaborating on hosting a FREE Virtual Youth Peer Learning Group for ages 16 – 23.

Dates: April 21st – May 26th, on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM CST / 7:00-8:00 PM EST

Purpose: A socialization platform for DeafBlind youth to meet peers across the country. Each week incorporates Pre-Employment Transitional information for youth to explore educational and vocational goals.