Ruston / Louisiana / United States
General Information Operating Hours: The Louisiana Center for the Blind is a 24-hour residential training facility. Scheduled classes are delivered from 8: 00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Required and optional activities are routinely scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Major Holiday Breaks: Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, are observed. In addition, a summer break is scheduled for one week in July. Intake Procedures: The Louisiana Center for the Blind accepts referrals/requests for services from Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, out-of-state agencies for the blind, and private sources. Individuals requesting services from the Louisiana Center for the Blind directly are referred to their respective appropriate state agencies serving the blind. The referring agency initiates services by scheduling an interview ( either by telephone or personal visit ) between the prospective client, his/her counselor, and the director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind. An enrollment application is then submitted to the Center. Upon admission, the referring agency should also provide current eye and medical reports, as well as other pertinent information. Referring counselors are encouraged to arrange a tour and personal interview for individuals and their families, particularly when a question may exist concerning the appropriateness of the services offered for a particular referral. On-site tours and visits are welcomed, and a representative is available to visit by phone with prospective students, their families, and agency personnel. Upon acceptance of an applicant as a student, the Louisiana Center for the Blind, the referring agency, and the applicant select an entry date. In the event that the student does not arrive on the scheduled starting date, the director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind will attempt to contact the individual and the referring agency counselor to determine the reason for the failure to arrive and to reschedule the entry date. During the first complete date of services, the student is given a comprehensive orientation to the facilities and program, introduced to the staff, provided a class schedule and materials, and advised of policies and guidelines. Also, intake information is completed and assessments and evaluation of existing skill levels are made in all course areas. Service Provision: The Louisiana Center for the Blind provides residential orientation and adjustment training to legally blind adults. Students remain in training generally from six to nine months depending upon individual needs. The full training curriculum includes Braille, cane travel, keyboarding/computer literacy, home economics, industrial arts, independent living skills, seminar, job development and college placement, and GED/remedial education ( if needed ). All classes emphasize the development of self-confidence and a positive attitude toward blindness. On average, the Center services approximately thirty students in the general program. Throughout their training, students live in apartments located eight blocks from the classroom facility.
