Louisiana Special School District
Education Without Limits
As part of LSVI's White Cane Safety Day celebration, Governor Jeff Landry delivered a special video message proclaiming October 16 as White Cane Safety Day in Louisiana. The proclamation recognizes the important role the white cane plays in promoting independence, mobility, and safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Governor also praised LSVI students and staff for their commitment to raising awareness and helping individuals live more independent lives.
You can see t4he video on SSD's YouTube page at the following link: https://youtu.be/5M1DIvdnqm0?si=IYOTz2AYrerYa7eY
*English Captions are provided in the video
Subscribe to the Louisiana Special School District on YouTube to be notified of new content when it is uploaded at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@LouisianaSSD
Video Transcript: Hello everyone, Governor Jeff Landrew here. I'm proud to proclaim October 16th as White Cane Safety Day here in Louisiana. We recognize the importance of the white cane in promoting independence, mobility, and safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. I commend the students and the staff at this Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and for your dedication to raising awareness and empowering individuals to live a more independent life. Thank you to everyone at LSVI for the important work that you do. Happy White Cane Safety Day.
You can see t4he video on SSD's YouTube page at the following link: https://youtu.be/5M1DIvdnqm0?si=IYOTz2AYrerYa7eY
*English Captions are provided in the video
Subscribe to the Louisiana Special School District on YouTube to be notified of new content when it is uploaded at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@LouisianaSSD
Video Transcript: Hello everyone, Governor Jeff Landrew here. I'm proud to proclaim October 16th as White Cane Safety Day here in Louisiana. We recognize the importance of the white cane in promoting independence, mobility, and safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. I commend the students and the staff at this Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and for your dedication to raising awareness and empowering individuals to live a more independent life. Thank you to everyone at LSVI for the important work that you do. Happy White Cane Safety Day.
White Cane Day Article on WBRZ.com features LSVI Activities
Rocking Independence: Life Without Limits
Students at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired recently took center stage during White Cane Day, leading interactive activities that showed how they navigate school, work, and daily life. Through demonstrations of Braille, assistive technology, and white cane travel, students helped visitors gain a greater understanding of independence, accessibility, and opportunity, according to the article by WBRZ.
Read the full story on WBRZ's website at the following link:
https://d3nqdp0e3r32g8.cloudfront.net/videos/louisiana-school-for-the-visually-impaired-event-shows-how-students-navigate-daily-life?utm_source=chatgpt.com
REMINDER: White Cane Safety Day is this Friday. We hope to see everyone there. Everyone is welcome!
This year's theme is "ROCKING INDEPENDENCE: LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS".
Event Details:
Date: October 16th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Louisiana School or the Visually Impaired - 2888 Brightside Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70820
SHORT RUN OF SHOW:
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Opening program at SSD auditorium
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Passport to Independence interactive stations/booths set up around SSD campus to explore
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Food and Fellowship- join us for lunch in the LSD (PEC) gym (jambalaya, chicken, rolls, salad)
Image Description: White Cane Day logo: Life Without Limits- White Cane Safety Day 2026: Rockin’ Independence. Clip art shows students walking across a cross walk of an intersection properly using their white canes.
This year's theme is "ROCKING INDEPENDENCE: LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS".
Event Details:
Date: October 16th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Louisiana School or the Visually Impaired - 2888 Brightside Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70820
SHORT RUN OF SHOW:
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Opening program at SSD auditorium
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Passport to Independence interactive stations/booths set up around SSD campus to explore
12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Food and Fellowship- join us for lunch in the LSD (PEC) gym (jambalaya, chicken, rolls, salad)
Image Description: White Cane Day logo: Life Without Limits- White Cane Safety Day 2026: Rockin’ Independence. Clip art shows students walking across a cross walk of an intersection properly using their white canes.
The LSVI Taylor Swift Club is hosting their 2nd Annual Food Drive!
They will be collecting non-perishable items to contribute to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. This comes right before Thanksgiving Break when families are in need of more supplies. LSVI will be collecting these items on November 6th on the Baton Rouge Campus of the SSD and will deliver them personally to the GBR Food Bank. Last year was a great experience and our students even got to help out at the food bank!
The club has placed boxes in the Student Center, ESS building, Cafeteria, Student Health Center and Business Department. Next week, they will be adding boxes to Operations and Human Resources.
Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated! They do this in the spirit of Taylor Swift who donates to Food Banks in every city she performs in. The LSVI Taylor Swift Club wants to be of service to others.
If you have any questions, need your box emptied, or need additional boxes, please reach out to michelle.tureau@la.gov or keri.walters@la.gov.
They will be collecting non-perishable items to contribute to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. This comes right before Thanksgiving Break when families are in need of more supplies. LSVI will be collecting these items on November 6th on the Baton Rouge Campus of the SSD and will deliver them personally to the GBR Food Bank. Last year was a great experience and our students even got to help out at the food bank!
The club has placed boxes in the Student Center, ESS building, Cafeteria, Student Health Center and Business Department. Next week, they will be adding boxes to Operations and Human Resources.
Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated! They do this in the spirit of Taylor Swift who donates to Food Banks in every city she performs in. The LSVI Taylor Swift Club wants to be of service to others.
If you have any questions, need your box emptied, or need additional boxes, please reach out to michelle.tureau@la.gov or keri.walters@la.gov.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The Board of Directors Meeting originally scheduled for 11/3/2026 has been moved to Wednesday, 11/4/2026 at 1:00pm. The agenda will be forthcoming.
The September edition of the SSD Newsletter has been published. This month's edition highlights a strong start to the 2026-2027 school year across the district centered around our theme: "Students First".
Some of the progress shared this month include the Louisiana School for the Deaf's "Dare to SOAR, Don't Settle!" initiative focused on academic growth, literacy, and student belonging. At CLSSC, students stayed active over the summer with hands-on learning opportunities. We also get updates from Shared Services, Teaching and Learning, and Operations showing the ongoing work that is going on across the district.
You can read the full newsletter at this link.
REMINDER: Special Education Advisory Council Meeting is today.
Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Location: 2888 Brightside Lane, Baton Rouge 70808
Student Center Board Room
You can see the agenda for the meeting at this link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/1fe960b7-8caa-46c4-96fc-2637570b20cb/SEAC-meeting-agenda_Sept-15.pdf?disposition=inline
If you cannot attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom.
Zoom: Meeting ID: 833 3480 6414 and Passcode: 710936
Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Location: 2888 Brightside Lane, Baton Rouge 70808
Student Center Board Room
You can see the agenda for the meeting at this link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/1fe960b7-8caa-46c4-96fc-2637570b20cb/SEAC-meeting-agenda_Sept-15.pdf?disposition=inline
If you cannot attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom.
Zoom: Meeting ID: 833 3480 6414 and Passcode: 710936
REMINDER: SSD Board of Directors Meeting
Date: 09/08/2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location:
2888 Brightside Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
SSD Board Room 196-Student Activity Center
If you are unable to attend in person, the meeting will be Livestreamed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhGrKMq9ZGY
You can find the agenda for the meeting at the following link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/5e827172-da31-4e3f-87c7-de63ae1cbb2b/Meeting-Agenda-9.8.2026-TAGGED.pdf?disposition=inline
Date: 09/08/2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location:
2888 Brightside Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
SSD Board Room 196-Student Activity Center
If you are unable to attend in person, the meeting will be Livestreamed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhGrKMq9ZGY
You can find the agenda for the meeting at the following link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/5e827172-da31-4e3f-87c7-de63ae1cbb2b/Meeting-Agenda-9.8.2026-TAGGED.pdf?disposition=inline
Help Our Students Start the School Year Strong!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
Student's First.
This week the District welcomed back teachers at our Back to School Celebration and breakfast event. We were joined by SSD Board of Directors President, Sandy Holloway and Bernell Cook, Louisiana State Director of Education, who each gave inspiring words of encouragement to teachers and staff.
The message of the morning was clear from the matching T-shirts worn by attendees to the thoughtful remarks shared by our guest speakers. Every part of the event reflected our commitment to putting students at the center of everything we do at SSD.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Sandy Holloway, SSD Board President, and Bernell Cook, Louisiana State Director of Education, for sharing their insights and encouragement as we begin a new school year. Together, we are building a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
This week the District welcomed back teachers at our Back to School Celebration and breakfast event. We were joined by SSD Board of Directors President, Sandy Holloway and Bernell Cook, Louisiana State Director of Education, who each gave inspiring words of encouragement to teachers and staff.
The message of the morning was clear from the matching T-shirts worn by attendees to the thoughtful remarks shared by our guest speakers. Every part of the event reflected our commitment to putting students at the center of everything we do at SSD.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Sandy Holloway, SSD Board President, and Bernell Cook, Louisiana State Director of Education, for sharing their insights and encouragement as we begin a new school year. Together, we are building a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
We would like to congratulate Ms. Alisha Butler for her selection as the 2027 Louisiana Teacher of the Year. The Louisiana Department of Education in partnership with Dream Teachers, honors the state’s most outstanding educators each year. This weekend, they announced Ms. Butler as the 2027 honoree.
Ms. Butler teaches dual enrollment English and intermediate Braille at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI) in Baton Rouge, where she designs instruction and has also worked as an instructional coach, school testing coordinator, and technology coordinator. Butler is a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and holds the National Certification in Unified English Braille, one of fewer than 500 educators nationwide to earn this designation.
🎉 Congratulations Ms. Butler! 🎉
Ms. Butler teaches dual enrollment English and intermediate Braille at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI) in Baton Rouge, where she designs instruction and has also worked as an instructional coach, school testing coordinator, and technology coordinator. Butler is a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and holds the National Certification in Unified English Braille, one of fewer than 500 educators nationwide to earn this designation.
🎉 Congratulations Ms. Butler! 🎉
Help Our Students Start the School Year Strong!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
🌟 Explore What Makes Our Schools a great place to learn! 🌟
The Special School District is excited to welcome families to campus this summer! The Louisiana School for the Deaf (LSD) and Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI) are opening their doors for Wednesday tours from June 17 through July 29.
Come see firsthand what makes our programs unique and how we support every student’s success. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✅ Tour our campus
✅ Learn about our academic programs and curriculum
✅ Explore residential life opportunities
✅ Discover career and technical education pathways
✅ Understand the IEP services and student supports we provide here at both schools
✅ Learn about extracurricular activities we offer!
Whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to take the next step, we’d love to meet you and show you around!
Please note that we also have Spanish interpreters available for Spanish-speaking families and virtual tours as well.
📅 Wednesdays | June 17 – July 29
📍 SSD Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
🔗 Sign up here: tinyurl.com/lsdvisummertour
📧SSD-Admissions-Records@la.gov
📞 225-228-4358
Come experience our community—we can’t wait to welcome you!
Help Our Students Start the School Year Strong!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
Help Our Students Start the School Year Strong!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
The Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired are collecting school supplies and uniform items to help ensure every student begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
From July 27 – August 28, we invite our community, alumni, families, businesses, and supporters to make a difference by donating new school supplies and uniform essentials.
Every donation—big or small—helps remove barriers to learning and gives our students the confidence to begin the school year prepared for success.
Thank you for supporting our War Eagles and Trojans!
🌟 Explore What Makes Our Schools a great place to learn! 🌟
The Special School District is excited to welcome families to campus this summer! The Louisiana School for the Deaf (LSD) and Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI) are opening their doors for Wednesday tours from June 17 through July 29.
Come see firsthand what makes our programs unique and how we support every student’s success. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✅ Tour our campus
✅ Learn about our academic programs and curriculum
✅ Explore residential life opportunities
✅ Discover career and technical education pathways
✅ Understand the IEP services and student supports we provide here at both schools
✅ Learn about extracurricular activities we offer!
Whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to take the next step, we’d love to meet you and show you around!
Please note that we also have Spanish interpreters available for Spanish-speaking families and virtual tours as well.
📅 Wednesdays | June 17 – July 29
📍 SSD Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
🔗 Sign up here: tinyurl.com/lsdvisummertour
📧SSD-Admissions-Records@la.gov
📞 225-228-4358
Come experience our community—we can’t wait to welcome you!
🌟 Explore What Makes Our Schools a great place to learn! 🌟
BREAKING NEWS! The Louisiana School for the Deaf (LSD) and Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI) are opening their doors on Wednesday tours, starting Tomorrow, from June 17 through July 29.
Come see firsthand what makes our programs unique and how we support every student’s success. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✅ Tour our campus
✅ Learn about our academic programs and curriculum
✅ Explore residential life opportunities
✅ Discover career and technical education pathways
✅ Understand the IEP services and student supports we provide here at both schools
✅ Learn about extracurricular activities we offer!
Whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to take the next step, we’d love to meet you and show you around!
Please note that we also have Spanish interpreters available for Spanish-speaking families and virtual tours as well.
📅 Wednesdays | June 17 – July 29
📍 SSD Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
🔗 Sign up here: tinyurl.com/lsdvisummertour
📧SSD-Admissions-Records@la.gov
📞 225-228-4358
Come experience our community—we can’t wait to welcome you!
🌟 Explore What Makes Our Schools a great place to learn! 🌟
The Special School District is excited to welcome families to campus this summer! The Louisiana School for the Deaf (LSD) and Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI) are opening their doors for Wednesday tours from June 17 through July 29.
Come see firsthand what makes our programs unique and how we support every student’s success. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✅ Tour our campus
✅ Learn about our academic programs and curriculum
✅ Explore residential life opportunities
✅ Discover career and technical education pathways
✅ Understand the IEP services and student supports we provide here at both schools
✅ Learn about extracurricular activities we offer!
Whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to take the next step, we’d love to meet you and show you around!
Please note that we also have Spanish interpreters available for Spanish-speaking families and virtual tours as well.
📅 Wednesdays | June 17 – July 29
📍 SSD Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
🔗 Sign up here: tinyurl.com/lsdvisummertour
📧SSD-Admissions-Records@la.gov
📞 225-228-4358
Come experience our community—we can’t wait to welcome you!
The Board of Directors of the Louisiana Special School District has called an Emergency Meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Location: 2888 Brightside Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Student Center Board Room
Information concerning remote participation in the meeting is included in the meeting agenda. To see the agenda on our website as a PDF visit the following link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/6eb4b569-8ebc-4572-ba81-eee47dd5adf3/SSD-Meeting-Agenda-6.2.26-%28FINAL-6.1.26%29.pdf?disposition=inline
Location: 2888 Brightside Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Student Center Board Room
Information concerning remote participation in the meeting is included in the meeting agenda. To see the agenda on our website as a PDF visit the following link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/6eb4b569-8ebc-4572-ba81-eee47dd5adf3/SSD-Meeting-Agenda-6.2.26-%28FINAL-6.1.26%29.pdf?disposition=inline
The Board of Directors of the Louisiana Special School District has called an Emergency Meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Location: 2888 Brightside Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Student Center Board Room
Information concerning remote participation in the meeting is included in the meeting agenda. To see the agenda on our website as a PDF visit the following link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/6eb4b569-8ebc-4572-ba81-eee47dd5adf3/SSD-Meeting-Agenda-6.2.26-%28FINAL-6.1.26%29.pdf?disposition=inline
Location: 2888 Brightside Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Student Center Board Room
Information concerning remote participation in the meeting is included in the meeting agenda. To see the agenda on our website as a PDF visit the following link:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4654/Lss/6eb4b569-8ebc-4572-ba81-eee47dd5adf3/SSD-Meeting-Agenda-6.2.26-%28FINAL-6.1.26%29.pdf?disposition=inline