Action Steps

The Executive Director and the Board of Directors are committed to taking the following actions to make improvements to the programming at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. Because these are initial steps, this document will be updated on an ongoing basis to reflect additional action items, as well as progress towards these objectives.

• We will fully investigate all unresolved allegations of misconduct and we will work with all entities to take appropriate and meaningful action. In addition, we are consulting with external resources to build a mechanism for survivors to report allegations of misconduct, and will work with our board of directors to create an equitable system to investigate the complaints.

• We will review and revise our policies and implement systems of accountability that are comprehensive and survivor-centered.

• We will improve the training that the board of directors, staff, and students receive related to trauma, abuse, and consent, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we will reach out to organizations with expertise in these areas to provide such training.

• We will provide instructors more frequent and comprehensive training on teaching methods, theories, and techniques to ensure an appropriate and considerate training experience.

• We will also consult with local, state, and national mental health resources, who have subject-matter expertise, to assure we are fulfilling our promise to create a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment.

• We will collaborate with the National Federation of the Blind and other structured discovery centers to bring about measurable change to prevent patterns of negligent actions by individuals.

Updates as of March 1, 2021:

In addition to the following specific actions that have been taken, the LCB continues to integrate topics of respect and tolerance throughout programming.  There is an open-door policy for students and staff to have crucial conversations, and we are reviewing staff and student policies and procedures on an ongoing basis.   

• The LCB, in coordination with the National Federation of the Blind, is engaging in a Partnership with RAINN,  the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

• The LCB is also engaged in the Safety and Support efforts of the National Federation of the Blind.  The Center has shared announcements from NFB survivor-led task force including ways to become involved and monthly blog posts.

• The LCB Executive Director has met with several state agencies and other stakeholders and community partners to discuss our efforts and actions taken for continuous review and improvement.

• The Executive Director has continued to seek input from alumni on topics relevant to the commitment to change.

• January 2, 2021: The student admissions documentation was updated and current students and newly enrolled students were provided copies.

• January 14, 2021: A Town Hall meeting with 3 NFB center directors and NFB Parents of Blind Children Board of Directors too took place.

• January 18, 2021: Ever Lee Hairston presented at center-wide seminar on her personal experiences as a civil rights advocate and on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• January 25, 2021: Staff participated training by Eric Waller on setting professional boundaries and professional ethics.

• January 26, 2021: Center-wide training for staff and students presented by Emmie Saux from LAFASA on consent, boundaries, sexual assault and harassment, reporting, prevention, and bystander intervention.

• By first week of February 2021: Staff and students completed RAINN pre-training survey to share feedback and identify priorities for organizational trainings and initiatives.

• February 1, 2021: Center-wide seminar by Haben Girma presented by Furman University.

• February 2, 2021: Executive Director attended a seminar hosted by the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University for leaders/managers: national speaker from Wal-Mart, Dow Chemical, and Deloitte to name a few. Topics included unconscious bias, fostering diversity and equity in the workplace culture, and inclusive leadership.

• Feb. 2, 2021: Staff training with Emmie Saux from LAFASA.

• February 4, 2021: CPR/first aid recertification for staff.

• February 25, 2021: Opportunity for staff and students to take part in a Facebook live evening presentation by Haben Girma as part of the community-wide program through the Lafayette Parish public library featuring Haben’s book.

• Several events offered to students throughout February, featuring presentations on African-American women who are entrepreneurs, tips for developing leadership, and ideas for fostering diversity presented by the Black Leaders serving for Advancement Committee of the NFB (most offered on evenings/weekends).

 The following are events that will be occurring in the coming months. 

• March 4, 2021: Presentation by Angela Frederick, Ph. D. on micro aggressions and fostering awareness

• March 8, 2021: NFB Diversity and Inclusion open forum

• March 12, 2021: Staff training on trauma-informed counselling/best practices

• March 19, 2021: Executive Director will attend a training presented by the NFB (Janice Glenn Kershaw) for leaders on identifying and addressing unconscious bias

• March 23, 2021: RAINN training for Center staff

• March 29, 2021: RAINN training for students

• By end of April 2021: All Board members will also take part in RAINN training

• The Executive Director is working to schedule a presentation on issues related to LGBTQIA+ for March or April

Updates as of July 1, 2021

In addition to the specific actions below, the Center and Board of Directors continue to have an ongoing commitment to respect and inclusiveness and reviews policies and procedures on an ongoing basis to ensure transparency and a positive culture for instruction.

  • The Center continues to work with RAINN as part of the national NFB partnership, including focus group participation by staff, alumni, and the Board of Directors.

  • The Executive Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors have been meeting monthly with the Directors and Board Chairs of the other NFB centers and the President of the NFB to discuss relevant issues, collaborate on developing updated protocols, and identifying needs for improving training experiences.

  • The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NFB training centers and the organization of the NFB was reviewed and updated.

  • The MOU between LCB and Louisiana Tech was also reviewed and updated.

  • The Executive Director attended bystander intervention training specific to AA/PI issues, and the LCB staff and students received general bystander intervention training

  • The Executive Director contracted with a professional facilitator for focus groups and listening sessions for students, staff, and combination groups to enhance communication strategies at all levels.

  • The Executive Director is also working with a professional leadership coach for professional development.

  • LCB staff and students were provided information for opportunities for engagement and presentations by the NFB survivor-led task force, including feedback and Q&A on the Code of Conduct and an open call with the external investigator.

  • LCB staff and students had the opportunity to participate in self-defense training.

  • LCB students and staff participated in conflict resolution training.

  • The Executive Director has established weekly evening office hours for students to have open, and transparent communication opportunities with her.

  • LCB Staff and students participated in a seminar on stress management and positive ways for handling anxiety/grief.

  • The Executive Director attended Consent Academy training for BELL coordinators and volunteers.

  • Information was shared about programming through Black Leaders Serving for Advancement, an NFB Initiative on social justice.

  • The Executive Director is continuing to work on scheduling a presentation on issues related to LGBTQIA+ to be held next quarter.

UPDATES AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2021

● The LCB staff and students participated in various Safety and Support training workshops offered at national convention of the NFB, including Boundaries and Consent, Inclusion and Safety, Allyship and Bystander Intervention, and Empowerment

● The Center Director and Board of Directors have been reviewing recommendations from RAINN and the survivor task force and special committee on policies and procedures

● Center staff participated in a training on boundaries and consent, offered by the National Blindness Professionals Certification Board and presented by WEAVE Inc.

● Center Staff participated in a 4-part training series on mental health topics including anxiety, depression, trauma, support strategies, trauma-informed care, boundary-setting, and stress management.

● Staff and Students participated in a training on healthy relationships and boundary-setting/consent from Consent Academy

● Staff participated in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training

● LCB continues to work with state agencies and community partners to share information about procedures and policies

● The LCB Director continues to meet with other NFB Center directors, Board chairs, President Riccobono and members of Special Committee to review ongoing work and establish consistent policies

● LCB Director continues to work with professional coach

● LCB Director, staff, and Board of Directors continue to engage in ongoing work to support inclusive and positive culture

● LCB Director continued ongoing communication with Board

Updates as of

January 1, 2022

Ongoing

● The Center staff and Board of Directors continues to review/update response protocols and policies (based on recommendations from RAINN, the Special Committee report, and the NFB Survivor Task Force)

● The Center Director continues to regularly update the Board of Directors and seek input/feedback

● The Director and the Board Chair continue to work with other NFB center directors, Board chairs, President Riccobono, and consultants for policy and best practices

● The Center continues to follow the NFB Code of Conduct, which was updated as of 12/19/2021

● The LCB Director continues to work with a leadership coach monthly

● The Center continues to reach out/communicate with VR partners to discuss concerns and update them on revised policies

Specific Activities Since Last Quarter

● Many staff and students virtually attended NFB Women’s Empowerment Conference (October 2021)

● LCB staff and students participated in a team building seminar (October 2021)

● LCB provided an in-person Self defense training (November 2021)

● LCB Director participated in a presentation to NFB affiliate presidents and division presidents about training centers (November 2021)

● Students and staff participated in Centerwide presentations on healthy v. Unhealthy relationships and on Sexual Harassment v. Flirting (November/December) 2021

 Updates as of April 1, 2022:

Ongoing

● The Center staff and Board of Directors continues to review/update response protocols and policies

● The Center Director continues to regularly update the Board of Directors and seek input/feedback

● The Director and the Board Chair continue to work with other NFB center directors, Board chairs, President Riccobono, and consultants for policy and best practices

● The Center continues to follow the NFB Code of Conduct, which was updated as of 1/1/22

● The LCB Director continues to work with a leadership coach monthly

● The Center continues to reach out/communicate with VR partners to discuss concerns and update them on revised policies

Specific Activities Since Last Quarter

Policies/Procedures

● The Board of Directors has created a reporting form and procedure for incidents or complaints in which a board member conducts an investigation or refers an incident to the NFB for a Code of Conduct violation

● The Board of Directors approved the updated Youth Protection Policy

● The center Director and Board of Directors established the third party external reviewer for complaints/reports of violations of policies

Training/Professional Development

January

● Staff and students attended WEAVE training on consent and sexual assault

● Ever Lee Hairston presented at seminar on her experience in the Civil Rights Movement

● Staff and students attended a traveling exhibit at Louisiana Tech University about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

February 

● The Center Director attended a virtual Diversity Leadership summit sponsored by the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University

● Staff and Students participated in a seminar presented by Black Leaders serving for Advancement group

● The Center Director completed online mandatory reporter training course

● Staff and students had opportunities outside of class to participate in presentations sponsored by NFB of Ohio and NFB DEI committee and Black Leaders Serving for Advancement for black history month

March

● Staff and students had various opportunities outside of class to participate in virtual presentations in celebration of women’s history month presented by blind leaders

● Staff and students participated in centerwide RAINN training

● Staff attended training on “Having Difficult Conversations_ presented by NBPCB

Updates as of July 1, 2022:

Ongoing

● The Center staff and Board of Directors continue to review/update response protocols and policies

● The Center Director continues to regularly update the Board of Directors and seek input/feedback

● The Director and the Board Chair continue to work with other NFB center directors, Board chairs, President Riccobono, and consultants for policy and best practices

● The Center continues to follow the NFB Code of Conduct, which was updated as of 1/1/22

● The LCB Director continues to work with a leadership coach monthly

● The Center continues to communicate with VR partners to share policies and answer related questions

Specific Activities Since Last Quarter

Policies/Procedures

● No new updates.

 

Training/Professional Development

April

● Staff attended active shooter training sponsored by Lantec

● Staff and students participated in workshops on conflict resolution and working effectively and respectfully with various personality types

● Staff participated in a training hosted by the NBPCB on effective and professional ways to handle a variety of instructional scenarios

● Staff and students participated in a workshop on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

● Staff and students participated in three training sessions presented by Prevention, Action, Change focused on consent, boundaries, and bystander intervention strategies

May

● Staff participated in a training on conflict resolution, communication, and team building

June

● LCB Executive Director reviewed the NFB Code of Conduct with staff and students prior to attending the annual NFB National Convention in New Orleans, LA

Updates as of October 1, 2022:

Ongoing

● The Center staff and Board of Directors continue to review/update response protocols and policies

● The Center Director continues  to regularly update the Board of Directors and seek input/feedback

● The Director and the Board Chair continue to work with other NFB center directors, Board chairs, President Riccobono, and consultants for policy and best practices

● The Center continues to follow the NFB Code of Conduct, which was updated  as of 1/1/22

● The LCB Director continues  to work with a leadership coach monthly

● The Center continues to communicate with VR partners to share policies and answer related questions 


Specific Activities Since Last Quarter

Policies/Procedures

● No new updates.

 

Training/Professional Development

July

●Staff and students participated in workshops on a variety of topics during the National Federation of the Blind’s National Convention

September

● Staff and students participated in a training on healthy relationships, consent, and setting boundaries, presented by WEAVE

Updates as of January 1, 2023:

Ongoing

● The Center staff and Board of Directors continue to review/update response protocols and policies

● The Center Director continues to regularly update the Board of Directors and seek input/feedback

● The Director and the Board Chair continue to work with other NFB center directors, Board chairs, President Riccobono, and consultants for policy and best practices

● The Center continues to follow the NFB Code of Conduct, which was updated at the NFB National Board of Directors meeting in December 2022

● The LCB Director continues to work with a leadership coach monthly

● The Center continues to communicate with VR partners to share policies and answer related questions

Specific Activities Since Last Quarter

Policies/Procedures

● No new updates.

 

Training/Professional Development

October/November

● Staff and students participated in a three-part training, which included topics of assertive communication and boundary-setting, sexual harassment, and bystander intervention and deescalation. The workshops were highly interactive and scenario-based, giving participants ample opportunities to discuss and practice the skills being learned.