PDRIB empowers independence for individuals with blindness

PDRIB empowers independence for individuals with blindness

Dec 13, 2024| Education and Human Sciences, Research

The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at Louisiana Tech University recently signed a continuing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB) ensuring its students have ongoing access to high-quality, rehabilitation services.

Through its partnership with the LCB and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the PDRIB provides access to cutting-edge rehabilitation services and connects students to a network of professionals who understand the realities of living with vision loss.

"The continued MOU between LCB and Louisiana Tech represents more than 25 years of collaborative work by the two entities," Dr. Edward Bell, director of the PDRIB, said. "This unique collaboration has provided professional training for individuals to teach the population of people with visual impairments nationwide in a highly effective manner. Thousands of children and adults with vision loss have gained greater hope and independence in life from this partnership."

The PDRIB continues to transform the lives of individuals with blindness or low vision through its unique training model, Structured Discovery. Their mission focuses on increasing the independence of individuals through education and research on blindness, preparing professionals to lead the way in empowering youth and adults with vision loss.

"Structured Discovery has, at its core, a philosophy that holds that individuals living with blindness or low vision can enjoy full lives of productivity, civic engagement, independent living, and employment," Bell said.

This model, developed by blind individuals, equips students with non-visual skills like braille reading and cane travel, helping them navigate life with confidence.

"Individuals across the country who are newly acquiring blindness or vision loss as well as facing helplessness that can occur with acquired disability are offered a newfound hope of independence through the graduates coming out of the PDRIB programs," Bell added.

The PDRIB's comprehensive training program includes immersion experiences, instruction, and internships. Students, both sighted and non-sighted, learn critical skills by being blindfolded during daily activities, enabling them to clarify misconceptions about blindness. Graduates of the program are in high demand nationwide, securing careers in teaching, counseling, and life-skills coaching, often within state agencies and nonprofit organizations.

"The PDRIB continues to support these professionals through its reach, continuing education and engagement with other organizations," Bell said. "A job through our program gives students the opportunity to change lives every day."

Students and faculty from diverse fields such as education, psychology, kinesiology, and human sciences find the PDRIB programs a perfect fit.

In addition to comprehensive training, the Institute offers graduate programs including the visual impairment/blind education certificate, rehabilitation teaching for the blind, and an orientation and mobility concentration.

"The PDRIB is a great opportunity to engage students, the community, and academia in an organic way that uplifts all of society and transforms the human experience," Dr. Henrietta Pichon, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, said.

"These are not desk jobs, but rather opportunities to learn how to engage with individuals in a physical world, providing hope and encouragement and inspiring growth across the lifespan for those experiencing the loss of one of their most heavily depended-upon senses," Bell said.

For those interested in supporting the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness or getting involved, visit their website here or contact Dr. Edward Bell at [email protected] or 318.257.4554.