Commissioners and staff on Tuesday provided updates on a series of subcommittees and pilot projects, including a new mental-health work group, DeafBlind advisory council proposals, the conclusion of the LD2 leadership cohort and progress on an interpreter-mentoring program.

Mental health work group: Commissioner Ramos said the new group will recruit deaf individuals with experience in mental-health services to advise on prevention and access. Ramos said the group will use a simple sign-up form and tentatively meet one Friday a month around lunchtime, and that the group will consider training and supports such as peer support and interpreter training for challenging clinical assignments.

DeafBlind advisory and vocational access: Commissioner Wimberley reported the DeafBlind advisory council discussed training priorities for support-service providers (SSPs) and proposed three workshop areas: deaf-blind awareness, self-advocacy and conflict resolution. Wimberley and staff said they are exploring a vocational access service provider (VASP) pilot in partnership with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) to provide job-search and employment supports, noting the work requires contract development and rate-setting.

Leadership cohort: A graduate of the LD2 leadership cohort, Peter ("PJ") James, told the commission the program helped him build confidence and organization skills and encouraged youth engagement in community leadership. Commissioners congratulated cohort participants and said a third cohort is planned for 2026.

Interpreter mentoring and SSP RFP: Acting Director Broussard and staff reported ongoing interpreter mentoring cohorts and a study group to support pre-certification knowledge for interpreters. Broussard also said the state announced an intention to award a contract for SSP services with an associated protest period; staff said the protest window closes October 22 and the commission will proceed with negotiations after that date if no protest is sustained.

Next steps: Subcommittees will post sign-up information and meeting plans; staff and partners will continue to develop the VASP pilot and interpreter mentoring supports.