Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness

Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness The Institute on Blindness provides outstanding professional preparation for individuals entering th

The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University is looking for individuals who are seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in the field of blindness! The need for qualified professionals to work with the blind is at record levels in our country today. The Institute on Blindness provides outstanding professional preparation for individuals entering th

e field of working with blind children or adults and our graduates have been eagerly sought after by employers from all across the United States in both public and private sectors. The Institute on Blindness conducts a variety of research activities that address serious obstacles facing blind people in areas such as Braille literacy, access to employment, and integration within the community. A fundamental tenet of the program is a belief that given proper training and opportunity, blind people can compete in virtually all areas of employment and community life. This simple philosophy is revolutionary in that it is counter to traditional views of blindness that have guided educational and employment services for blind people in the United States. The Institute’s research activities reflect a belief in the ability of blind people to live full and normal lives. Accordingly, research activities center on finding ways of addressing barriers to full integration, such as high rates of illiteracy and unemployment.

We are so proud of our very own Casey Robertson who was named Braille Institute’s 2026 Braille Challenge Teacher of the ...
05/08/2026

We are so proud of our very own Casey Robertson who was named Braille Institute’s 2026 Braille Challenge Teacher of the Year for Excellence in Braille Instruction.
Casey is our lead instructor for the Teaching Blind Students program but she teaches all of our graduate students and is a major contributor and backbone to our department.
You should take a moment and read about her many contributions to the field in this article. What it doesn’t mention is that she is also an exceptionally hard worker, a caring friend, and a devoted mother. This woman cares deeply and she shows her care through service.
Thank you Casey for doing the hard work to improve the field and making the world better for our blind children. This is much deserved. We are so proud that we get to call you ours!
Congratulations again!

Casey L. Robertson is a nationally recognized educator, leader, and advocate in the field of blindness education with more than a decade of experience preparing professionals, supporting families, and advancing literacy for blind students. She serves through the Professional

05/05/2026
05/05/2026
05/05/2026
05/05/2026

Thank you for supporting LCB in last year’s Give for Good campaign, hosted by the Community Foundation of North Louisiana! We’re excited to participate again!!
Main giving day is May 5 but early giving is open now.
An anonymous donor will match gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $2,500 and early donations help us unlock even more funds.

Please give today: https://mtyc.co/zmel2f

Share to help us reach the full match and our $10,000 goal!

PD: LCB students, staff and the Board are posing for a photo in front of the Ruston mural on the north side of the shop building.

Kristen, Kayla, and the Master’s students are in Colorado this week to host a professional development workshop for K-12...
04/30/2026

Kristen, Kayla, and the Master’s students are in Colorado this week to host a professional development workshop for K-12 O&M instructors in the state. While there, they stopped by CCB for a tour, philosophy, and to learn from their instructors.

04/26/2026

The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University had a panel presentation during our afternoon session. Presenters included Kristen Sims, Interim Director; Casey Robertson EdS, Teacher of Blind and Visually Impaired; and two current graduate students - Colleen Watchorn and Lauren Altman. The Institute strives for excellence in blindness education through their programs and research.

We are proud of the work and mentorship our current and previous graduate students put in to the NFB STEM2U program at t...
04/25/2026

We are proud of the work and mentorship our current and previous graduate students put in to the NFB STEM2U program at the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana State Convention in Baton Rouge.

01/28/2026

January 28 Update: While conditions in Ruston continue to improve, significant power outages and roadway challenges remain in our surrounding area. Campus will return to normal operations Friday, though classes will not resume until Monday, Feb. 2. Employees unable to return to work safely should communicate directly with their supervisor.

Students, check Canvas for class-specific updates. We do not want this extended weather event to impact your academic progress and success. Use this extra time to study and further your understanding and preparedness for your return.

For those ready to get out of the house, the Lady Techsters will play Kennesaw State in the Thomas Assembly Center on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Please continue to monitor campus communications through email, social media, and the ERT website at https://ert.latech.edu/

Address

600 Mayfield Avenue, 210 Woodard Hall 210
Ruston, LA
71270

Telephone

+13182574554

Website

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