Welcome to the Louisiana Center for the Blind
We are changing what it means to be blind by creating pathways to a future of independence, choice, and opportunity!
Since our founding in 1985, we’ve been driven by one mission—to change what it means to be blind. At the Louisiana Center for the Blind, we believe that all blind people can learn, lead, and live with purpose and dignity. We are committed to empowering blind and low vision individuals by providing the skills, mentorship, and perspective that are helpful in creating a thriving future. Whether you're adjusting to blindness, returning to the workforce, pursuing higher education, or embarking on a new adventure, our training programs offer students opportunities to gain the tools they need to live the lives they want.
Through our work, we’ve been empowering blind people across Louisiana—and around the world— in accomplishing their goals. We forge lasting relationships with our students, and serve as a resource long after training concludes. We look forward to showing you what is possible when belief, skill, and opportunity come together!
Our Mission
We believe that blind people have the ability to achieve their personal goals, and we are here to help them do it! Our innovative training model blends blindness skill development, mentorship, and an empowering message that challenges misconceptions about blindness. Through nonvisual training and high expectations, we empower our students to step back into their communities with confidence, equipped with the skills to pursue their dreams. At the Louisiana Center for the Blind, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re working alongside our students to transform their lives.
Our Training Approach
Our programs provide training and support to blind people of all ages and life stages. Every program that we offer reflects the following key elements:
Non-Visual Skills that Build Confidence: Our programs teach non-visual skills that foster independence. Students wear learning shades during training hours to aid in developing alternative methods for learning, problem-solving, and confidence-building. This approach equips our students with the blindness skills that facilitate long-term inclusion and success.
Promoting an Empowering Blindness Message: We believe in blind people, and we create learning environments and activities that reflect this core value. We lead with high expectations, facilitate access to blind role models, give students tools to navigate blindness misconceptions, and trust in the ability of our students to define their own futures.
A Supportive Community: Our expert instructors bring their lived experience, professional expertise, and nonstop dedication to uplift every student. They collaborate with students to address individual learning needs, outline training objectives, and define the steps necessary to achieve their goals.
Contact Us Today for Additional Information
We’re here to help! Reach out today to learn how we can support you.
Contact our Executive Director, Pamela Allen via email or by calling 318-251-2891.
Complete this form to learn about specific programs, volunteering, and additional resources.
We’re excited to have you join us at the Louisiana Center for the Blind!