BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Association of the Deaf has expanded its services in the Capital Area and beyond, providing access to hearing aids and assistive technology for a statewide community of more than 200,000 deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing and late-deafened individuals.

The LAD, which now does business as Deaf Focus, says its services will be provided to those in the Greater Baton Rouge area, as well as the communities surrounding Houma, Thibodaux and Morgan City. 

The services will help eligible people get access to tools that can support communication, independence, safety, employment, education and fuller participation in community life. Beyond its funded programs, LAD says it regularly responds to community needs that are not covered by a grant, government contract or other traditional funding source. 

"Many people contact us when they have nowhere else to turn," Jay Isch, Executive Director of LAD dba Deaf Focus, says. "Donations give us the flexibility to respond when a person's needs do not fit neatly within an existing program or funding category. Every contribution helps us provide support with dignity, cultural understanding, and direct knowledge of our community."

The expansion of programs, community-based services and pro bono support comes during September, which is recognized as Deaf Awareness Month.