(SHREVEPORT, LA) – Louisiana Association for the Blind (L.A.B.) is pleased to announce that Melissa Garcia, Senior Job Coach has received the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP™) certification. Garcia has worked in the Supported Employment field for nine years. The CESP™ certification is a national credential designed for Employment Support Professionals who serve people of all disabilities to locate and maintain competitive, community-based employment. “I love being a Job Coach and providing support for people because I get to be a part of their journey of reaching a goal they set for themselves. Few in northwest Louisiana hold this certification, and this will set L.A.B. apart in our community and the way we provide services to individuals with disabilities,” said Garcia.
The CESP™ program is the first in the nation to create national guidelines to validate and support the training currently provided in the field. The CESP™ credential is earned by passing a comprehensive examination based on national standardized competencies. CESP™ certification is a complement to program certification and licensing, demonstrating a level of professionalism has been achieved. The CESP™ certification is a national, portable, individual credential that remains valid for three years.
Established in 1927, Louisiana Association for the Blind (L.A.B.) is a private, non-profit community service organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are visually impaired through training, services and employment. As a part of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), L.A.B. participates in the nation’s AbilityOne Program, providing recycled content copy paper and 3M™ Safety-Walk™ nonskid material to the federal government, made by Americans with visual or severe disabilities.