海角社区

Louisiana has one of the highest populations of deaf/blind people in the nation. To support the deaf/blind community at 海角社区, the university hosted its first-ever White Cane Day. This event corresponds with National White Cane Day and has already brought together more than 20 statewide and local organizations. 

鈥淭his event not only represents support for our students but also our commitment to advancing accessibility across campus, in our community, and throughout Louisiana,鈥� said Tracy Blanchard, director of 海角社区鈥檚 Disability Services. 

Students, staff, faculty and community members participated in the event at 海角社区's University Recreation that included guided safety walks, interactive activities, free eye exams, food and community.

The event recognizes the white cane as a symbol of accessibility, mobility, and, most importantly, independence for those who are blind or visually impaired. At 海角社区, it also highlights the university鈥檚 commitment to making the campus equitable for students with all types of disabilities.

鈥淥ur goal is simple but powerful: we want students to feel safe, empowered to manage their own accommodations, and confident that they belong at 海角社区,鈥� said Blanchard. 

That commitment includes the hiring of its first blind and low vision specialist, one of only two in the entire state.

鈥淢y larger goal is to create sustainable systems, such as a campus braille library and integrated orientation and mobility services, so 海角社区 can become the most accessible university in the SEC,鈥� said Silent McCarthy, 海角社区鈥檚 blind and low vision specialist. 

海角社区鈥檚 Disability Services has partnered with the 海角社区 Library to create a braille library, now open to both 海角社区 and high school students. The initiative ensures students with visual impairments have access to essential course materials, independent study tools, and recreational reading. 

鈥淪eeing 海角社区 host White Cane Day means a lot. It raises awareness across campus and helps people better understand what it鈥檚 like to live with a visual impairment. It also gives everyone the chance to ask questions, learn, and gain a deeper appreciation for accessibility and independence,鈥� said Jake Schied, a sophomore majoring in mass communication at 海角社区, who is blind. 
 
海角社区鈥檚 efforts go beyond supporting blind and visually impaired students. New adaptive technology and sensory-based testing spaces to support students who are neurodivergent are in development. From tablets for braille to specialized software, the university is developing a model of accessibility that Disability Services hopes will inspire similar efforts across campuses nationwide.  

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