Every movement starts with a dream. For the Louisiana Center for the Blind, that dream took shape through Joanne Wilson’s determination, and through the unwavering support of the National Federation of the Blind. “I received life-changing blindness training in Iowa, and after moving to Louisiana many years later, I wanted the people here to have a real shot at realizing their own dreams. I knew from my own life and from my involvement in the National Federation of the Blind that blind people could have jobs, raise families, and give back to their communities. I began talking to anyone who would listen about starting a training center in Ruston. Eventually, I found people in the Louisiana state legislature who believed in this dream. Together with some seed funding from the state, and with the support of the National Federation of the Blind, the Louisiana Center for the Blind enrolled its first group of students in October of 1985.” — Joanne Wilson, LCB founder

From the beginning, LCB was created to change what it means to be blind by building pathways to independence, choice, and opportunity. As the nation’s first training center established under the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind, we remain guided by its empowering belief that blind people can live full, successful, and meaningful lives. What started in Ruston, Louisiana, as a pioneering adult training center has grown into a nationally respected program that changes lives and transforms systems. Over the years, thousands of blind individuals have come through our doors and left with lifelong skills, an empowering perspective on blindness, and a community that continues to walk with them well beyond their training. Every graduate adds to our living history of achievement, carrying forward the message that blindness is a characteristic, not a barrier, and that with belief, skill, and opportunity, the future is full of possibilities.

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 equip our students to step back into their communities with confidence, prepared 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