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Commissioners report on Deaf leadership program, mental health work group and Deaf-blind initiatives
Summary
Commissioners celebrated a completed Deaf leadership cohort, announced a mental-health work group to recruit deaf participants and reported progress on deaf-blind workforce supports including a proposed VASP partnership with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.
Commissioners reported several program and subcommittee updates, including a Deaf leadership program graduation, a new mental-health work group and preliminary work on a vocational access service provider program for deaf-blind job seekers.
Peter "PJ" James, a graduate of the LD 2 Deaf Leadership cohort, described increased confidence and skills gained through the program and encouraged youth participation in future cohorts. Chairperson Natalie Delgado said the commission plans a third cohort in 2026.
Commissioner Ramos described a mental-health work group being formed with Commissioner Dotson; the group will recruit deaf participants with lived or professional experience in mental health and focus on prevention, community-based supports and interpreter training for behavioral-health contexts. Ramos said the group plans monthly or near-monthly meetings and will distribute a participation form.
Commissioner Wimberly and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services Director Melissa Baham reported on early discussions to create a Vocational Access Service Provider (VASP) program to support deaf-blind job-seeking and employment. Baham said LRS and LCD staff have begun initial planning and expect a contract for development and services, but that rate-setting and training requirements remain to be worked out.
Ending: Subcommittees will circulate sign-up forms and continue planning; staff and partner agencies will return implementation details at future meetings.
