Our History

1927
The Shreveport Association for the Blind was established in early April 1927, by the local chapter of the Lions Club to provide jobs and training for the blind.

1930
The Association made brooms in the morning and sold them door-to-door in the afternoon.

1935
The Association incorporated with a net worth of $300.

1938
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Wagner- O'Day Act.

1951
The Shreveport Association for the Blind began work with the Easter Basket Committee. They developed community relations with hundreds of volunteers who held weaving classes for the visually impaired and helped transport employees to and from work, which also generated funds to help the visually impaired.

1952
NIB launches SKILCRAFT, the brand name for quality consumer products made by people who are blind.

1970
The Association became Accredited with the National Accreditation Council.

1971
Senator Jacob K. Javits sponsors legislation adding the purchase of services and including agencies serving people with other severe disabilities to the original Wagner-O'Day Act. The legislation becomes known as the Javits-Wagner- O'Day Act. (JWOD)

1973
The Association joined National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

1980
The Shreveport Association for the Blind changed its name to Louisiana Association for the Blind (LAB).

1988
LAB began a cooperative program with 3M Company with the production of Peel-and-Stick Nonskid.

1995
LAB began manufacturing copy paper.

2000
LAB opened the Base Supply Center at Barksdale.

2007
Committee for Purchase changes name of program from the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program to AbilityOne. The name and purpose of the act remain unchanged.

LAB opens the Low Vision Center (LVC). The LVC is the only total source in the Ark-La-Tex area to address the needs of our visually challenged community, including NWLA's only complete Sensory Aids Store.

2010
LAB opened the Self Service Supply Center at Fort Polk.

2011
LAB opened the Hawn Street location for manufacturing of Peel-and-Stick Nonskid.

LAB opens Ability Printing, an in-house print shop featuring a multifunction digital press and bindery