Louisiana Association for the Blind

Louisiana Association for the Blind A shining light in NWLA for people with visual impairment - providing training, services & employment Excellence in all that we do is our goal.

Established in 1927, Louisiana Association for the Blind (LAB) is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing stable employment, vocational training and rehabilitative services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired in Louisiana. LAB's core values of respect for individual abilities, honesty, and integrity create an environment that encourages personal growth and independence. At LAB our focus is on a person's capabilities not disabilities. Quality is the end result: in products, in training, and in employment opportunities. LAB employs people who are blind in manufacturing, administrative, training and a variety of job positions that match an individual's goals and potential. The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD) allows LAB and other agencies employing the blind to secure contracts to provide products and services to the Federal government. The JWOD program helps to ensure steady, long-term employment for people who are blind. LAB is a member of the National Association for Employment of People Who are Blind (NAEPB) and affiliated with National Industries for the Blind (NIB). Additionally, LAB is licensed by the Department of Social Services and recognized by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services as a rehabilitative facility. For more information about LAB, please call 1-877-913-6471.

January may have felt long, but it was full of purpose. ❄️💙Our Marketing team kicked off the year by building connection...
02/05/2026

January may have felt long, but it was full of purpose. ❄️💙

Our Marketing team kicked off the year by building connections, serving our community, and sharing the mission of L.A.B. in meaningful ways. From stepping into new leadership roles in the local YPI Chapter and networking across the region, to honoring MLK Day through service, celebrating our local DJs, and creating special moments for families at Ronald McDonald House — every effort reflected our commitment to community and impact.

We also wrapped it all up with the Shreveport Chamber Annual Banquet… plus a few unexpected snow days along the way. ❄️

Here’s to starting 2025 strong and continuing to tell the story of opportunity, inclusion, and service.

We have some exciting news to share! Our very own President & CEO, Brian Patchett, has been appointed to the National Co...
02/03/2026

We have some exciting news to share!
Our very own President & CEO, Brian Patchett, has been appointed to the National Council on Disability by Speaker Mike Johnson.

This independent federal agency advises the President and Congress on policies that increase independence and equality for Americans with disabilities—a mission Brian lives out every day here at the Louisiana Association for the Blind.

"I am hopeful my appointment... will allow me to continue my mission and improve access for those with disabilities in all aspects of our community," Brian shared.

We are so proud to see Brian’s expertise and dedication recognized at the highest levels of government. Please join us in congratulating him on this prestigious appointment!

https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2835

Today is National Hot Chocolate Day, and we’re celebrating with a little extra heart. ☕💙Last week, Chelsea, our Communit...
01/31/2026

Today is National Hot Chocolate Day, and we’re celebrating with a little extra heart. ☕💙

Last week, Chelsea, our Community Engagement Specialist, spent time at The Blake at Bossier City creating hot chocolate gift bags with residents — all made with love for families staying at Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana .

Those cozy treats were delivered to RMHC so families could enjoy a warm moment during a challenging time. Small acts. Big impact.

01/30/2026

🎶 Do you want to build a snowman? 🎶

Huge thanks to our amazing crew for pushing all the snow and ice out of our parking lot and making it safe for everyone to return to work. Teamwork for the win! ❄️💪

We’re always excited to see advancements in assistive technology that make experiences more inclusive for people who are...
01/30/2026

We’re always excited to see advancements in assistive technology that make experiences more inclusive for people who are blind or have low vision. 👏
This is such a powerful example of accessibility in action — and we love seeing organizations like ACB helping shape the future of inclusive sports experiences.

🏈 Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl? Drop your team in the comments!

Some blind and low-vision fans will have unprecedented access to the Super Bowl thanks to a tactile device that tracks the ball, vibrates on key plays and provides real-time audio.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month 👁️💚Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss — and often has no early war...
01/30/2026

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month 👁️💚
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss — and often has no early warning signs. That’s why education, prevention, and early detection are so important.

At the Louisiana Association for the Blind, we see firsthand how vision loss impacts daily life. Our mission is to ensure individuals who are blind or visually impaired have access to the tools, training, and support they need to live and work independently. Awareness and early action can help protect vision — and when vision loss occurs, we’re here to help people thrive.

Learn more about ways to help prevent glaucoma and protect your eye health.

01/29/2026

Clearing the way for a safe return! ❄️💪

Huge thanks to our Copy Paper team for braving the cold and clearing the ice from the parking lot so employees could safely return to work today. Teamwork like this keeps us moving forward—no matter the weather.

Due to current weather conditions, many L.A.B. locations will be closed on Wednesday. However, our Fort Polk BSC store w...
01/28/2026

Due to current weather conditions, many L.A.B. locations will be closed on Wednesday.

However, our Fort Polk BSC store will be open.

Please stay safe and continue to monitor our social media for updates.

❄️ Weather Closure Notice ❄️Due to current weather conditions, all L.A.B. locations will be closed Monday through Wednes...
01/25/2026

❄️ Weather Closure Notice ❄️

Due to current weather conditions, all L.A.B. locations will be closed Monday through Wednesday to ensure the safety of our staff and community.

Please stay safe and continue to monitor our social media for updates regarding future closures.

🎉 Laissez les bons temps rouler — and give back while you do it! 🎉CALLING ALL MARDI GRAS KREWES, we’ve got a sweet way t...
01/23/2026

🎉 Laissez les bons temps rouler — and give back while you do it! 🎉

CALLING ALL MARDI GRAS KREWES, we’ve got a sweet way to support your throws and make an impact. 💜💚💛

When you order items through our website, every purchase supports people who are visually impaired by funding assistive technology and training—helping individuals gain independence and confidence in everyday life.

Stock up for the parade and feel good knowing your krewe is helping change lives with every item purchased. 🍬✨

👉 Order here: www.lablind.com/mardi-gras-throws-for-good

There are still 49 chances to win in our 52 Over 52 Raffle — and every ticket purchased supports something even bigger. ...
01/22/2026

There are still 49 chances to win in our 52 Over 52 Raffle — and every ticket purchased supports something even bigger. 💙

Your support helps people who are visually impaired gain access to assistive technology and training that build independence, confidence, and opportunity.

🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to win and make an impact.
👉 Get your ticket today: www.52over52weeks.com

*get your ticket by 4pm CST this FRIDAY to be entered into this week's drawing. Tickets purchased after 4pm will roll over to next week.*

🌟 Leadership Spotlight: Shun Washington, CFO 🌟This month, we’re proud to highlight Shun Washington, Chief Financial Offi...
01/21/2026

🌟 Leadership Spotlight: Shun Washington, CFO 🌟

This month, we’re proud to highlight Shun Washington, Chief Financial Officer at the Louisiana Association for the Blind. Shun brings a servant-leader mindset to his role, guiding LAB’s budgeting, forecasting, and overall financial health to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

Driven by a passion for helping people reach their full potential, Shun plays a key role in advancing LAB’s mission—supporting opportunities that empower independence and expand access to meaningful employment. His vision for the future includes increasing LAB’s manufacturing capacity to create even more jobs and services for the individuals we serve.

When he’s not crunching numbers, you’ll likely find Shun starting his day with 2000’s hip-hop, cooking to unwind, or perfecting his BBQ skills (with one of his six grills!).

We’re grateful for Shun’s leadership, heart for service, and innovative approach that helps move LAB forward every day.

Address

1826 Claiborne Avenue
Shreveport, LA
71103

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4pm
Friday 7:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+13186356471

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Our Story

For 90 years, Louisiana Association for the Blind (LAB) has been improving the quality of life for people who are blind by providing training, services, and employment. LAB's core values of respect for individual abilities, honesty, and integrity create an environment that encourages personal growth and independence. At LAB our focus is on a person's capabilities not disabilities. Excellence in all that we do is our goal. Quality is the end result: in products, in training, and in employment opportunities. LAB employs people who are blind in manufacturing, administrative, training and a variety of job positions that match an individual's goals and potential. The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD) allows LAB and other agencies employing the blind to secure contracts to provide products and services to the Federal government. The JWOD program helps to ensure steady, long-term employment for people who are blind. LAB is a member of the National Association for Employment of People Who are Blind (NAEPB) and affiliated with National Industries for the Blind (NIB). Additionally, LAB is licensed by the Department of Social Services and recognized by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services as a rehabilitative facility. Louisiana Association for the Blind (LAB) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. LAB does not discriminate on the basis of age, s*x, race, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by Federal, state, or local law. LAB is a drug free work place. For more information about LAB, please visit www.lablind.com or call 1(877) 913-6471 or (318) 635-6471