Louisiana DeafBlind Advisory Committee
The Louisiana DeafBlind Advisory Committee was created by the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Board of Commissioners to serve as an advisory group on matters of significance to DeafBlind individuals in Louisiana. The charge of this committee is to identify and research the needs of the Louisiana DeafBlind community and make recommendations to the Board on how these needs can be met. The Committee’s membership consists of DeafBlind individuals with lived experience and members who are qualified and knowledgeable about the needs of DeafBlind individuals in Louisiana. A majority of the committee shall consist of DeafBlind members residing in Louisiana.
The DeafBlind Advisory Committee was developed to:
- Elevate the voices, rights, and distinct needs of DeafBlind individuals
- Increase public awareness about deaf-blindness and Usher Syndrome- a genetic condition characterized by moderate-to-severe hearing loss at birth and progressive vision loss (retinitis pigmentosa) that may begin in adolescence.
- Advise the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Support Service Provider Program
Meetings
All meetings held by the Committee are open to the public with both in-person and virtual options (hybrid). The Committee meets a minimum of two times per year. Locations vary.
- Upcoming Meetings (coming soon)
- Previous Meetings (coming soon)
Membership of the Committee
The Louisiana DeafBlind Advisory Committee will have at least six members and no more than 11 members.
- The Committee’s goal is to have statewide membership, with individuals from diverse backgrounds representing individuals who are both deaf and blind across Louisiana. Members should have knowledge and experience in:
- DeafBlind communication techniques
- DeafBlind culture
- Serving and supporting DeafBlind communities
- Understanding the larger issues impacting individuals who are DeafBlind
- The chair of the committee will be the DeafBlind representative from the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Board of Commissioners.
Reporting Duties of the Committee
Report Progress: The chair of the committee will provide regular written updates to the Board of Commissioners during their regularly scheduled quarterly meetings. These reports include:
- Details on meetings (dates, locations, and attendees)
- New policy or action recommendations from the past quarter
- Updates on meeting topics, discussions, and other relevant information
Regular Meetings: Host meetings at least twice a year, with extra meetings as needed.
Transparency: Conduct all business in accordance with state Open Meetings laws and related Louisiana Department of Health and Bureau of Family Health policies to ensure transparency.
Terms of Membership
Membership with the Louisiana DeafBlind Advisory Committee lasts for two years. After two years, members may reapply to serve another term.
All members must maintain good standing by attending all meetings and actively contributing to the work of the Committee.