Affiliated Blind of Louisiana (ABL) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1983 by Mr. John Lemaire, who was blind himself, and others. They provide special services and training to Louisiana’s visually impaired, blind, and deaf populations. In 1990, ABL purchased the Most Holy Sacrament Convent on West St. Mary Blvd. in Lafayette for $750,000 to serve as their training center. The site included seven buildings totaling 70,000 square feet of floor space, along with four acres of land. After funds were secured, renovations were completed in 1993. ABL has seven chapters nationwide, employing over 80 people across all seven chapters. Their mission is to teach skills of independence, employment, and community integration to people who are blind and deaf-blind. They also educate the public about blindness and inform consumers of services available to them.