LAD dba Deaf Focus

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.

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.

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. Those who wish to support the organization's recovery and renovation efforts may make a contribution at: https://givebutter.com/LADeaf1908

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

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.

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/

SSD Board calls an Emergency Special meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2nd.

files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com

Special Education FAQ 2.0 Workshop

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 12 PM to 1 PM

At Families Helping Families of SWLA, 324 West Hale Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601

Special Education Workshop Series: Part 2 to 3 Parts

Part 2 will cover some of the most asked questions parents ask about IEPs and discipline.

You have the option of attending in person or virtually!

Register to attend in Person for Light Lunch & Door Prize Drawing!

Link for Virtual Registration: https://tinyurl.com/SPEDFAQ2-61726VR

Link for In Person Registration: https://tinyurl.com/SPEDFAQ2-61726IPR

Link to Flyer: https://tinyurl.com/SPEDFAQ2-61726Fl

One of the most meaningful things you can do in life is to be of service to other people.

Perks of being a Deaf nurse

I will get down to your eye level when talking with you

I focus directly on you when you’re speaking instead of multitasking or looking away

I pay close attention to facial expressions and body language

I notice visual details very quickly

I naturally make communication more visual, intentional, and clear

If you know ASL, you automatically have direct communication access with me

Deaf and hard of hearing patients often feel more comfortable and less anxious with me

I understand how exhausting communication barriers can feel in healthcare

I know how important it is for patients to feel included in conversations about their care

I bring a different perspective to patient care every day

🧡 Nurse Britny

✨ Webinar Opportunity: Preparedness for All ✨

We're excited to partner with Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana for an upcoming webinar focused on building more inclusive, person-centered approaches to emergency preparedness plans.

Topics will include:
📋 Inclusive planning strategies
🌎 Accessibility and disability-related considerations
👥 The role of support systems and community collaboration
🛠️ Practical tools and resources

📅 Wednesday, June 24 at 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🔗 Register here: tinyurl.com/preparedness4all62426

This webinar is designed for anyone interested in creating safer and more inclusive communities including emergency managers, service providers, advocates, caregivers, and community members. 🫶