For Rehabilitation Professionals
Partnerships that Empower: Information for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
At the Louisiana Center for the Blind, we are proud to collaborate with state vocational rehabilitation agencies to connect consumers to our transformative programs. We celebrate the work of vocational rehabilitation counselors, who serve as a key source of information, expertise, and hope, supporting consumers at every milestone on their journey to independence and employment. Together, we work to ensure that students receive quality adjustment to blindness training, mentorship, and the self-belief needed to build meaningful futures.
Our comprehensive training programs are designed to give students the confidence and abilities they need to succeed on the job, in school, and in their communities. We use the Structured Discovery learning approach to teach critical blindness skills in a supportive, empowering environment. Learn more about Structured Discovery Training here.
Steps to Become a Student at the Louisiana Center for the Blind
Below you will find steps to guide you in referring consumers to our training programs. This information will cover the entire cycle—from exploring our training programs, to arriving in Louisiana!
Additionally, here is a guide for any prospective students.
MAKING CONTACT
Potential students and rehabilitation counselors can contact our Executive Director, Pam Allen, to discuss interest, program structure, and eligibility.
When possible, we encourage potential students, their families, and rehabilitation professionals to visit our center before scheduling training. A tour provides valuable insight into our facilities, our Structured Discovery training model, and all our beautiful Ruston has to offer.
DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY
We will ask potential students to discuss their goals for the future, to share how our training can assist them, and to describe any personal circumstances that could possibly impact their training experience. Our instructors are adept at working with students with diverse learning needs, recognizing that students enter training with varied skill sets and with differing prior access to training opportunities
Our training programs are designed to help blind individuals gain the skills necessary to pursue a career or further education
STUDENT APPLICATION AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
After meeting with our executive director, individuals interested in attending the residential adult training program can complete the enrollment form here. Additionally, we will ask rehabilitation counselors to email the following documents to info@louisianacenter.org:
The most recent eye examination/proof of legal blindness
Current Individualized Plan for Employment
Any relevant medical reports (including vocational/psychological evaluations, documents regarding disabilities other than blindness, such as hearing loss, etc.)
IDENTIFYING START DATE AND TRANSPORTATION TO LCB
Together with the student, our executive director will determine a start date for training.
We will work with the rehabilitation counselor and the student to arrange transportation to Ruston. The nearest airports are Monroe Regional Airport and Shreveport Regional Airport; however, our preference is for students to arrive in Monroe. We will coordinate alternative travel methods if flights are not needed.
WELCOME TO LOUISIANA
We’ll meet the student at their arrival location (airport, bus station, LCB apartments, or LCB downtown location) and assist them with getting settled in.
The intake process will include completing any remaining paperwork, reviewing policies/expectations, and ensuring that any logistical/personal needs are addressed before training begins. With plenty of southern hospitality, we’ll provide newcomers with a warm welcome to our energetic training community!
We look forward to partnering with you to support your consumers achieve their goals and gain the confidence, skills, and independence they need for success. If you have any questions or need assistance with the referral process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way!