Louisiana Association for the Blind

Mission: Improving the quality of life for the blind through training, services, and employment

Louisiana Association for the Blind (LAB) is a private, non-profit organization in Shreveport which provides quality employment, rehabilitation, and vocational training to individuals who are blind and visually impaired in northwest Louisiana

LAB has two manufacturing facilities in Shreveport where raw materials are converted into quality paper office products.  The sale of these products enables LAB to maintain and create new jobs for people who are blind and visually impaired.  More than 120 people are currently employed by LAB from across Louisiana, with 75% of the direct work force qualifying as legally blind. LAB produces xerographic bond, mimeograph, and duplicating papers; writing tablets, index cards, writing paper, index sheet sets, traction material, and abrasive rolls.

LAB's Base Service Center (BSC/IEE), on Barksdale AFB, is the supply source for office supplies, janitorial and industrial products, and individual military equipment. All authorized federal purchasing personnel can purchase supplies for official government use. Purchases are not limited to Barksdale personnel only, but are open to other federal government purchasing agents such as the Veterans' Administration and Social Security Administration.

The BSC/IEE Barksdale was the 62^nd center to open under the operation of National Industries for the Blind (NIB) affiliated agencies nationwide. The store stocks JWOD items manufactured by NIB affiliates, as well as commercial items. All items are for official government use only.  LAB has been assigned to open a second Base Supply Store at Fort Polk, Louisiana and the project is under development

Last year there were approximately 29,200 citizens served with a disability in Louisiana. LAB served over 2,000 with rehabilitation offerings in 2008 with its Low Vision Rehabilitation Center. The Center provides rehabilitation services through its training center, examinations in the low vision clinic, and sensory aids and appliances in the retail store.

Low Vision Services

• Low Vision Exams and Evaluations
• Low Vision Aids
• Assistive Technology
• Rehabilitation and Training
• Adjustment and Orientation to Blindness
• Braille
• Computer Skills
• Orientation and Mobility
• Independent Living Skills
• Vocational/Job Readiness
• Children and Parent Programs
• Support Groups
• Education Seminars
• Informational and Referral Services

The Sensory Aids Store is an outlet for those with low vision to purchase a variety of aids and appliances at affordable prices rather than ordering these types of products online or from a specialty catalog. People frequently make significant investments in low vision appliances through catalogs only to become frustrated when the items provide little or no improvement in their vision.  The store allows people to try low vision products before making purchases to ensure the aid and/or appliance will actually enhance their usable vision and therefore, their independence.

The Low Vision Clinic has examination rooms which are fitted with the technical equipment required to perform a low vision eye exam and evaluation.  Dr. S. Kit Cooper of Shreveport performs these examinations to evaluate the level of remaining vision and areas of the retina that offer the best vision. This exam is key in determining which adaptive aids and appliances will provide the greatest benefit to the client. LAB provides training in the proper use of each device and follows up with each client at regular intervals after the initial fitting. Often, an adaptive aid will be useful for a limited time, but need to be changed or upgraded as sight continues to diminish.

LAB Locations