The Face of Blue Bridge ASL Academy Katrina Rivers - Labouliere PHOTO CREDIT: BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY ASL EDUCATION
B u lue Bridge ASL Academy is a pioneering language immersion daycare and preschool in Baton Rouge, offering bilingual education in Ameri- can Sign Language (ASL) and English for children ages six weeks to five years. Founded with a vision to create inclusive, language-rich environments, Blue Bridge brings together hearing, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing children in a setting where communication and connection are accessible to all. At the heart of the academy is found- ing director Katrina Labouliere, a na- tionally certified ASL interpreter and instructor who was raised as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). Her lifelong im- mersion in Deaf culture and language shaped the mission of Blue Bridge: to ensure every child has early, equitable access to communication and learning. Katrina believes that early exposure to language—both signed and spoken— lays the foundation for confidence, empathy, and long-term academic success. Blue Bridge’s curriculum blends child- led exploration with research-based early childhood practices, support- ing cognitive, social-emotional, and language development. Through sensory play, STEAM activities, and structured learning experiences, children naturally acquire both ASL and English in a joyful, engaging environment. The academy’s approach meets children where they are while encouraging curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.Community and family engagement are central to the Blue Bridge experience. Families of all backgrounds and language levels are welcomed and supported through resources such as complimentary ASL classes and communication tools that foster connection between home and school. This inclusive approach strengthens relationships and empow- ers families to actively participate in their child’s language journey. Under Katrina’s leadership, Blue Bridge ASL Academy has become more than a preschool, it is a bridge between communities, cultures, and languages, giving young children the tools to thrive in an increasingly diverse world.
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Faces & Places ® | Summer 2026 15
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