In-Home Vaccinations from LDH

The Louisiana Department of Health offers in-home vaccinations to people with disabilities and those who are homebound. LDH has several new printable resources available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and a new ASL video, describing the program and how to sign up. Visit the LDH website at https://ldh.la.gov/page/4464 to view/print information.

To be added to the LDH Vaccination-at-Home Registry, call 1-855-453-0774 or visit https://ldh.la.gov/inhomeshots. Feel free to share this with any of your community members who might benefit from this service.

New Voting Machine Demonstration

From Natasha Aymami, HKNC South Central Regional Representative:

June 28^th from 9am to 3pm there is a request for Deaf and DeafBlind individuals to go to the capital to provide feedback on the new voting machines. There will be a demonstration as well. The address is 660 N. Fourth Street, Baton Rouge, LA; across from the state capital.

Emergency Preparedness Overview

The Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults is proud to announce an Emergency Preparedness Overview Training presented by Valerie Chmela on July 14, 2022 at 9:00AM-11:00AM CST via Zoom (link is under the information below). The training is being provided at no cost to attend and is open to anyone who is interested. LRID is an approved sponsor for continuing education activities. The professional studies program is offered for 0.20 RID CEUS at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level. 

Target audience: Support Service Providers, novice to experienced interpreters and community members.

Training Description:

This training will teach participants the importance of having an emergency and disaster preparedness plan for personal safety and its impact on their ability to provide support to others. The upcoming hurricane season is predicted to be more active than years passed with 14-21 named storms making landfall in the United States. Given the past several years of disastrous weather patterns it is very important that those in the interpreting field, who are often called to frontline duty, be aware of emergency and disaster planning. Therefore, everyone needs to be prepared and have a plan to save themselves and their families.

There are numerous emergency preparedness training programs for the general population. However, there are specific preparedness planning and strategies for DeafBlind individuals. Valerie Chmela with Helen Keller National Center has developed an emergency curriculum for the DeafBlind population. She has delivered this training across the country with various professionals, service providers, and community members. Not only is the curriculum for DeafBlind individuals, but it is also beneficial for interpreters, Support Service Providers (SSPs), and service providers to learn as well.

Meher Banajee Named ASHA Fellow

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) has named Dr. Meher Banajee as an ASHA Fellow. Dr. Banajee is the director of the School of Allied Health Professions’ Speech-Language Pathology program and is also a faculty member of the LEND program at HDC.

HDC Scholars Receiving Allied Health Honors

HDC is proud to see scholars from its interdisciplinary training programs receiving awards from the School of Allied Health Professions at the close of the 2021-2022 academic year as they completed their respective programs on May 19. The scholars represented are:

HDC Spotlight: Michael Curry

Remembering Julie Beckett

HDC joins its colleagues across the United States in mourning the loss of Julie Beckett on Friday, May 13. Julie Beckett was a trailblazer in the days before ADA because she advocated for at-home care of her daughter Katie. Read the Administration for Community Living’s statement on the passing of Julie Beckett here.

New Deaf Education Newsletter

There is a new issue of the Louisiana Deaf Education Newsletter available. Click the link below to learn about new events and training opportunities.

Louisiana LEND application deadline extended to May 16

Strong leadership influences change in systems like Healthcare, Education, and Public Policy. To become a better informed professional, you need interdisciplinary skills and community-based learning. To transform society as we know it, you must be an effective advocate and leader.

Apply to Louisiana LEND now to acquire these skills! Deadline to apply has been extended to May 16, 2022! Click the button below that best describes you.

Click here to apply for the Louisiana LEND 2022-23 cohort

Not sure if this program is right for you? Click here to complete an interest form.

Please know that LEND is a stipend program that financially compensates you for your time and participation. Registration and travel to the national AUCD conference in Washington, D.C. is also covered when participating in the program.

In Memory of Mark Martin

HDC is sad to share the news that Mark Steven Martin passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Mark devoted his entire career to serving individuals with disabilities.  He was committed to helping people with disabilities gain education, employment and the tools needed to reach their goals. For the final several years of his career, Mark served as Director of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. The original notice can be found here.