Photo montage of people having fun at various ABL fundraisers

Donate Your Shoes Today!

Help us raise funds just by donating gently worn, used and new shoes! Be sure to ask, friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to donate too! Collected shoes not only help support us, but they will be reused and given a second life by those in need through microenterprise. It’s a WIN-WIN! Now until May 16, 2026 Please be sure shoes are in a bag or box. Drop off with Sally, our Receptionist at the ABL Training Center409 West St. Mary Blvd Lafayette, LA 70506 (337)234-6492

ABL Giant Rummage Sale Fundraiser!

Art In Bloom an

 ABL & Mudbug Fundraiser!

ABL in Collaboration with mudbug art studio presents art in Bloom. Come out to enjoy a day of creating one of a kin pour paint art! This event is for all ages. Bring your family, friends, or come solo. Weather permitting, we will paint outdoors under the oaks. Music, desserts and free giveaways provided. Saturday, May 2, 2026 409 West St. Mary Blvd 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm reserve your spot using the ink on the website: www.mudbugart.com Available projects include figurines, kid character banks, canvas, charcuterie boards, tactile art, and glassware. Prices range from $25 to $40. Event sign up is free

ABL Community Reach Out 

Affiliated Blind of Louisiana would like to introduce a new opportunity for community engagement for the DeafBlind residents of Lafayette. Our goal is to drive better community understanding, deeper support for this disability group, and promoting a caring community. Changing attitudes from apathetic to excited, limited to expansive, and frustrating to encouraging is why we reach out!

Southwest Louisiana has the highest population of DeafBlind citizens in the United States due to Usher Syndrome. This genetic disorder causes a combination of hearing loss and visual impairment. Isolation and lack of communication, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, has limited the independence of the DeafBlind population. Due to this lack of communication, these individuals miss out on pertinent information about community events. 

Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Community Reach Out will bring together resources for the DeafBlind population in Lafayette by educating community organizations to better understand the needs of this disability group and provide accessibility during local events.   

  • Consulting and Collaboration – The ABL Reach Out team will partner with local organizations to facilitate inclusion and community engagement for persons who are DeafBlind. We will guide Lafayette businesses and organizations to incorporate a process for fostering accessibility and inclusion at their local events.        
  • Interpreting and Support Service Providers - ABL Reach Out will provide platform interpreters and support service providers, using tactile interpreting, to allow for community engagement. Providing these services gives the DeafBlind population access to full participation in local events.
  • Marketing – Businesses and organizations that participate in the ABL Reach Out program and promote the value of including DeafBlind and blind neighbors in local events will be featured on local television, radio, and social media platforms.

For more information check out the ABL Community Reach Out event page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/F-Lcgg?vid=wv7e6

How Can You Help?

To help in any way, please contact us here at the ABL Training Center by giving us a call, making a donation, or just stopping by.

CONTACT US