Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Inc.

06/12/2026

Getting our booth set up for the Deaf Festival tomorrow! Get a free tote bag with a purchase! We can’t wait for the performances! See y’all there!

06/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Statement - June 5, 2026
LAD Announces Office Fire Caused by Electrical Malfunction

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Board of Directors of the Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) announces that the organization's Baton Rouge office experienced an unfortunate fire resulting from an apparent electrical malfunction on the morning of Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Upon arriving at the office, Executive Director Jay Isch discovered smoke billowing from the entrance. Acting quickly, he entered the office to locate the fire extinguisher and attempted to contain the fire before immediately contacting emergency services. The Baton Rouge Fire Department responded promptly and successfully extinguished the fire, preventing more extensive damage to the facility.

Most importantly, no one was injured during the incident. The Board extends its sincere appreciation to the Baton Rouge Fire Department and all emergency personnel for their swift response, professionalism, and dedication to protecting lives and property.

While the fire itself was relatively contained, the resulting smoke, water, and remediation needs have created an unexpected setback in LAD's ongoing office renovation project. The organization has been actively modernizing its facility in preparation for expanded statewide services associated with recently awarded contracts through the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf. Although this incident presents challenges to the original renovation timeline, LAD remains fully committed to continuing its mission and maintaining services to our community.

LAD is currently working with insurance representatives, contractors, and restoration professionals to assess the damage, complete cleanup efforts, and restore the facility as quickly as possible. For those who wish to support the organization's recovery and renovation efforts may make a contribution at: https://givebutter.com/LADeaf1908

Despite this setback, LAD remains operational. Individuals needing assistance or wishing to schedule meetings are encouraged to continue contacting the organization through its normal communication channels. Temporary meeting accommodations will be arranged as needed until the office is fully restored.

We appreciate the patience, understanding, and support of our members, partners, and community during this unexpected challenge. We look forward to sharing updates as we continue moving forward and remain committed to reopening an improved, modernized office space that will better serve our community for years to come.

Warm regards,
Board of Directors

ASL TRANSLATION: https://youtu.be/SCtjnp8dJgk

Baton Rouge Fire Department

06/04/2026

Filming an exclusive interview with Dr. Natalie Delgado, Executive Director of the Louisiana School for the Deaf, led by Cammy Gaspar, Chair of LAD’s Community Spotlight Initiative. Stay tuned for the upcoming release of the Community Spotlight video.

06/04/2026

Deaf people deserve equal access to information from the federal government.

For four years, the White House provided ASL interpreters for press briefings. That access stopped in January 2025, leaving Deaf Americans without equal access to important public information.

The ACLU has filed an amicus brief supporting Derrick Ford and the National Association of the Deaf in their case to restore ASL interpretation at White House press briefings.

The brief explains that courts can and should enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the federal law that prohibits disability discrimination by the federal government. The White House argues otherwise — claiming that the court should not require it to follow this law in this case.

This case is about more than White House briefings. It is about communication access, disability rights, and making sure the federal government follows the law.

https://www.acludc.org/cases/national-association-of-the-deaf-v-trump-asl-interpretation-during-white-house-press-briefings-protecting-the-rule-of-law-and-separation-of-powers-by-urging-the-d-c-circuit-to-apply-the/

06/01/2026

Sine Die.

05/29/2026

We are GROWING! Exciting news for our organization!

Louisiana Commission for the Deaf🙌

✨MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT✨

We are proud to announce some exciting news for our community and organization!

The Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD), doing business as Deaf Focus, has officially been awarded three state contracts through the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf, marking a major milestone in the continued growth and expansion of our organization.

These contracts will allow Deaf Focus to broaden the scope of services and programs we provide throughout Louisiana, strengthening our mission to empower, support, and advocate for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals and families across the state.

We are deeply honored by the trust placed in our organization and excited for the opportunity to lead these important programs. This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team, partners, and community members who continue to believe in the vision and impact of Deaf Focus.

As we move forward into this new chapter, we remain committed to delivering high-quality, accessible, and community-centered services while continuing to grow and evolve to meet the needs of those we serve.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. The future of Deaf Focus is brighter than ever, and we look forward to continuing to build, serve, and make a lasting impact together.



Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Inc.
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf

05/29/2026

We love how ASL can bring a community together. 🤟

Tonight marked the conclusion of our current Community ASL classes at the Goodwood Branch Library, and we’re so proud of how far the participants have gone learning with us. Their enthusiasm has been refreshing!

The incredible response to these classes continues to demonstrate the huge interest in learning ASL and about Deaf culture.

We are excited to continue our collaboration with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, and look forward to announcing the next round of Community ASL classes soon!

Stay tuned for the new schedule and registration information! 🤟



Regions Bank
Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Inc.
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf

05/29/2026

We missed y’all!

Our ASL Social gatherings are held once a month on the last Thursday, except for November (3rd Thursday) and December (No event.) Check out the Events section on our page for dates and other events.

05/29/2026

As we wrap up Older Americans Month, I find myself reflecting on the power, resilience, wisdom, and joy older adults bring to our communities every single day.

For me, this month is also a reminder that aging is not about slowing down — it’s about continuing to live with purpose, connection, advocacy, laughter, and heart.

Through my work with Deaf Seniors of America and the many incredible older adults I have the privilege to meet, I continue to be inspired by people who are redefining what aging looks like. We are never “too old” to learn, lead, travel, advocate, mentor, or make an impact.

Let’s continue building communities where older adults are seen, valued, included, and celebrated — not just in May, but all year long.

Aging is living. 💖