Helen Keller Services (HKS)

Our Helen Keller National Center team recently returned from the Deaf Seniors of America conference in Kansas City, MO (Aug 3-7), and we're still buzzing with excitement! Beth Jordan, Great Plains Regional Rep, and Jenee Alleman, Older Adult Specialist, represented HKNC at this impactful event. Jenee delivered an outstanding presentation to a packed room of 100+ older adults and professionals! Her topic focused on how age affects vision in culturally Deaf, signing older adults. She covered the different types of eye care providers, key questions to ask your provider, and technology that can be used at home to improve independence. Jenee also shared simple apps people can download and use right after a vision loss diagnosis to immediately regain some control and independence. The audience loved these quick, actionable tips that put power back in their hands! At our exhibit booth, we lost count of how many people stopped by to share stories about family members experiencing vision loss and to learn more about our available resources and services. These conversations underscored the growing need for HKNC's programs and their significant impact on older adults and their families. Bonus: We also connected with many State Commission directors who were in town for the National Association meeting happening alongside the conference. Thank you, Deaf Seniors of America conference, for an unforgettable week! Image Description: A three-image montage from the Deaf Seniors of America conference. Top left: The HKNC exhibit booth area showing a conference attendee engaged in conversation with a Rep from HKNC. Bottom left: Jenee Alleman with an SSP presenting to an audience while standing on a platform beside a projection screen. Right side: Beth Jordan in a dark shirt with lanyard posing with Art Roehrig in a yellow shirt, both smiling at the camera. #DeafSeniorsOfAmerica #SeniorCitizen #OlderAdult #Access #DSA2025 #DeafSeniors #DeafBlind

Join us for this webinar: Assistive Technology and Accessibility in the Workplace Thursday, August 28 | 1:00-2:00 PM EST Presented by Megan Dausch (Accessibility Specialist), Scott Davert (Lead Research and Training Specialist), Bryan Ward (NY & KY iCanConnect Programs Coordinator), and Kacie Weldy (North Central Regional Services Coordinator). In this webinar, we will introduce you to critical technologies that empower blind and DeafBlind individuals to thrive in the workplace. We'll equip employers with basic building blocks to create an inclusive and supportive work environment. -Learn from individuals who are blind and DeafBlind about workplace technology -Identify at least three key accessibility technologies -Discover how to make documents more accessible Register: https://lnkd.in/eKEUaaxw Brought to you by Helen Keller Services. Advancing Access. Unlocking Potential. www.HelenKeller.org Image Description: Graphic promoting Helen Keller Services' Assistive Technology and Accessibility in the Workplace webinar, featuring text at the top reading "Assistive Technology and Accessibility in the Workplace" and "Webinar: August 28, 2025, 1–2 pm ET" with hands positioned on a braille display device at the bottom and the HKS logo. QR code is in bottom right corner. #HelenKellerServices #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #DeafBlind #DeafBlindCommunity #Blindness #VisionLoss #VisuallyImpaired #Blind #BlindCommunity #InclusionMatters #AssistiveTech #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityEmployment

Thank you to New York State Assemblyman Chuck Lavine for surprising our campers with a special visit to Camp Helen Keller this summer! The Assemblyman awarded Camp Helen Keller with a $30,000 grant, ensuring that children who are blind or have low vision can continue to have transformative summer experiences on Long Island. We're deeply grateful for Assemblyman Lavine's longtime commitment to Helen Keller Services and his dedication to Camp Helen Keller, where every child experiences a summer of wonder and discovery. Image Descriptions: 1: Assemblyman Chuck Lavine sits with a group of Camp Helen Keller campers and staff on a brick ledge in front of a building with a fountain, holding a ceremonial $30,000 check made out to Helen Keller Services. 2: Assemblyman Chuck Lavine stands with two Helen Keller Services staff members in front of a brick building and fountain, presenting a $30,000 New York State grant check to Camp Helen Keller. #CampHelenKeller #SummerCamp #HelenKellerServices #Accessibility #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #InclusionMatters #CommunitySupport 

Helen Keller National Center was thrilled to participate in the 16th International CHARGE Syndrome Foundation, Inc. Conference last week! This powerful gathering brought together the CHARGE community from around the world, including families, professionals, and individuals with CHARGE syndrome from multiple countries and all across the US. Representatives from HKNC spent the week connecting with over 100 families in one-on-one conversations throughout the conference. The team also gave several presentations during the event. Tammie Christian and Marilyn Trader presented a summary of two DeafBlind Immersion Experiences (DBIEs). Their session also featured a parent panel to share firsthand perspectives on the impact of the DBIEs. Marilyn Trader also presented HKNC's other programs and services, and Jonathan Pringle presented on the employment journey. Our DeafBlind Immersion Experience program poster drew lots of attention during the poster sessions, giving us great opportunities to share information about this specialized program with conference attendees who were eager to learn more about our services. It was wonderful to reconnect with several past DBIE participants and their families, seeing how they've continued to grow and thrive. It was especially great to see Jacob, who was our first transition-age DBIE participant at HKNC and will return to us in 2026 for a community-based DBIE in his home state. Special shoutout to Keynote Speaker, David Brown, for his expertise with all things CHARGE syndrome. The energy and dedication of the CHARGE community to supporting each other never stops inspiring us. These connections strengthen our ability to serve individuals who are DeafBlind and their families. For more information about HKNC's DBIE program, contact Tammie at tchristian@helenkeller.org or visit https://lnkd.in/eA298xJ8 Image descriptions: 1) Tammie and Marilyn stand on either side of a large horizontal HKNC DBIE poster which is displayed on a stand. 2) Split image, on left HKNC staff stand in front of a conference banner, on right, Tammie stands with a family in front of a conference banner. 3) Marilyn and a young adult taking a selfie 4) Marilyn and Tammie standing together with representatives from the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation 5) Marilyn and Tammie standing with David Brown. 6) Marilyn and Tammie kneeling in front of a colorful phoenix wing mural made of feathers created by conference attendees. The mural reads "Rising From Challenges Together." #CHARGESyndrome #DeafBlind #DeafBlindAwareness

Honoring 35 Years of the ADA   Helen Keller Services is proud to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! On July 26th, we honor this landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures everyone has the same rights and opportunities. For over 130 years, Helen Keller Services has supported individuals who are blind, have low vision, and DeafBlind to achieve their full potential. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the ADA, we honor this landmark legislation that reinforced our enduring mission. From our early education programs to comprehensive vocational training that prepares individuals for meaningful careers, we're proud to continue Helen Keller's legacy of determination and advocacy. Through our work, we help individuals transform challenges into possibilities and build pathways to independence, employment, and full community participation. As champions of accessibility, we join with the disability community in advancing the rights, voices, and opportunities for all. Image description: A graphic featuring two individuals communicating in tactile American Sign Language. The Helen Keller Services logo is displayed on top, while the "ADA 35" logo is positioned in the lower half of the graphic between the two individuals’ arms. The ADA 35 logo features "ADA" in large red letters at the top, with "35" in large blue numbers below. To the right of the "35" is a star. Underneath appears "Celebrate" in smaller red text and "July 26, 2025" in blue text. Below a horizontal red line reads, "Americans with Disabilities Act" in black text. ADA 35 logo credit: ADA National Network #ADA35 #ThanksToTheADA #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct #ADA #Disability #DisabilityPride #ADAAnniversary #DisabilityEmployment #Accessibility

Pure joy in action! This week, our Camp Helen Keller campers had an incredible day at Adventureland Long Island experiencing the thrill of amusement park rides, navigating new environments with confidence, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to a generous supporter who believes in our mission, our campers are experiencing multiple exciting field trips this summer, including this incredible day at Adventureland. From thrilling water rides to sharing moments of pure excitement with friends, our campers discovered that adventure truly has no limits. Every laugh, every proud smile after trying something new, and every "we did it!" moment represents what Camp Helen Keller is all about: creating opportunities for inclusion and pure summer fun—kids being kids and experiencing the thrills that make summer magical. To our incredible donor and all our supporters who make Camp Helen Keller possible—thank you for helping us create summers where every child can explore, grow, and discover a world without limits. Image descriptions: 1: A female camper rides a water ride creating a large splash as it descends to the ride's finale. 2: Campers and counselors gripping a safety bar on a spinning ride while smiling with excitement. 3: A counselor helps a female camper drive and steer a red bumper car. 4: A counselor along with two campers on an amusement ride with green seats and safety restraints. Their feet are dangling above colorful carnival decorations. 5: A boy camper wearing sunglasses operates a yellow and green water ride vehicle that splashes through a pool. #CampHelenKeller #SummerCamp #HelenKellerServices #Accessibility #BlindKidsCan #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #InclusionMatters #BlindCommunity #CommunitySupport #Adventureland

HKNC's "Through Our Hands: Creativity Through Touch and Expression" exhibit had its opening reception this week and the turnout was fantastic. This tactile exhibition at The Art Guild showcases the extraordinary artistic talent of our DeafBlind participants and demonstrates how art transcends boundaries to become a powerful language of communication, connection, and creative expression. The tactile exhibition invites visitors to experience art in an entirely new way—encouraging them to touch, connect, and engage with each creation. From paintings and sculptures to mixed media pieces, every work represents the participants’ unique perspective and creative voice. Special thanks to The Art Guild for providing this beautiful platform for our artists and Hearts PW for their generous sponsorship that made this exhibition possible. The exhibit continues through August 5th at The Art Guild, 200 Port Washington Boulevard, Manhasset, NY. Come experience how creativity transcends boundaries and discover art designed to be touched and felt. Read the full story at: https://lnkd.in/eBykBCuq #TactileArt #DeafBlindArtists #HKNC #CommunityPartnership #ArtExhibit #HelenKellerServices #DeafBlind #ArtTherapy #PortWashingtonNY #LongIslandNY #DeafBlindAwareness

"I can do anything." When Elizabeth first learned about her Usher syndrome diagnosis, her access to technology and career opportunities felt limited. But at Helen Keller National Center, she discovered something transformative: with the right training, accommodations, and adaptive technology, she can live independently and pursue any goal. Watch Elizabeth, "DeafBlind Woman of Steel" and former competitive bodybuilder, share her powerful journey from feeling stuck to embracing a sea of possibilities. Her message speaks directly to anyone facing similar situations and to everyone who believes in unlocking potential. Read Elizabeth's full story: https://lnkd.in/eUZJpi7m Video description: This testimonial video features Elizabeth signing in ASL to the camera with captions and voiceover. Video Transcript:  Hello, my name is Elizabeth. I was a student at Helen Keller National Center last July, up until April. It was a life-changer for me. When I found out I had Usher syndrome and would become DeafBlind due to vision loss, my access was limited. My knowledge of what was available to me in terms of technology and careers, was minimal. I felt stuck. It was like I was coming across barriers left and right, and it was a struggle. My confidence was nonexistent. I didn't really have much of a feeling in terms of self-worth. I felt like a child lost in the woods. When I got to Helen Keller, wow! My eyes were opened. I realized that DeafBlind individuals can do everything. That you could learn, and learn about adaptive technology, different techniques for accommodations, how you can have access to different things again. Previously, I didn't have any access to technology, but now I have access again. I learned about work and different vocational options for me. Now, I have a sea of possibilities ahead of me. It was worth it! Now with the knowledge and training that Helen Keller gave me, I can live independently. I can do anything. With different accommodations and adaptive technology, I have access again. If it wasn't for Helen Keller, I wouldn't know what my future would look like. I wouldn't know how to communicate, how I can have access, how to cook. I wouldn't know so many different things. They would all be question marks.  Now, when I think about my goals for the future, I'm excited. I'm thinking about the future with excitement.  HKNC is such a vital place in this world. We need these services now and we need them to continue into the future so that DeafBlind individuals who face the same struggles I did, have the chance to receive support, pursue their goals, follow their dreams, and build their own path. #DeafBlind #Deafblindness #DeafBlindAwareness #AmericanSignLanguage #ASL #UsherSyndrome #Accessibility #VocationalRehabilitation #IndependentLiving

DeafBlind Awareness Week: Sharing Our Expertise Through Free Training In recognition of DeafBlind Awareness Week 2025, we're opening our doors wider than ever! Right now, through June 30th, access TWO comprehensive training courses absolutely FREE: "Ensuring Access to Communication: A Guide for Direct Providers Working with DeafBlind Individuals" - Learn practical strategies for communicating through various modalities, designed specifically for direct providers and support staff. Available in ASL with voice interpretation, plus captions and transcripts in English and Spanish. (1.0 ACVREP CE Hours) "Technology Solutions for Older Adults with Combined Hearing and Vision Loss" - A 3-part course covering adaptive technologies that enhance communication and independent living for those with combined hearing and vision loss. (3.0 ACVREP CE Hours, 3.0 CATIS Points) We're sharing our expertise because true awareness comes from understanding—and understanding starts with the right training. These courses share the knowledge we've developed through decades of serving the DeafBlind community. When professionals have better tools, the entire DeafBlind community benefits. Beyond these and our other courses, our Learning Center is packed with many FREE resources that have helped thousands of professionals, families, and community members better understand and support DeafBlind individuals, covering topics such as: -DeafBlind Culture insights -Communication guidelines -Technology guides -Haptics training videos -And so much more! Get started: www.helenkeller.org/DBAW25 Use codes: DBAWCommunication & DBAWTech ID: A laptop computer displaying the Helen Keller National Center's online Learning Center course catalog against a modern workspace background with a coffee cup and stacked books. The header reads "DEAFBLIND AWARENESS WEEK" in large navy text, and the bottom reads EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES with the HKNC logo under it. #DBAW25 #DeafBlindAwarenessWeek #CultivatingLeadership #FreeEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #HKNC #DeafBlindAwareness #DeafBlind

HISTORIC MILESTONE: The United Nations has officially proclaimed June 27 as the International Day of Deafblindness! This groundbreaking resolution, championed by the The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB), recognizes deafblindness as a unique and distinct disability, with the date honoring Helen Keller’s birthday. With 99 countries co-sponsoring this resolution, there is unprecedented global support for DeafBlind recognition. At Helen Keller National Center, we celebrate this achievement as we continue advancing access and opportunity for individuals who are DeafBlind through our comprehensive programs and services. As DeafBlind Awareness Week approaches (June 22-28), this UN proclamation reinforces our commitment to empowering individuals who are DeafBlind to live, work, and thrive in their communities. Announcement https://lnkd.in/dgBNickN Image description: A green and white graphic dated June 16, 2025, featuring the World Federation of the DeafBlind (WFDB) logo. The text announces "BREAKING NEWS" that "The United Nations has officially declared 27 June the International Day of Deafblindness, starting in 2025." The right side shows a black and white profile photograph of Helen Keller wearing a light-colored dress with decorative necklaces. The design uses a diagonal split layout with green text on the left and the historical photograph on the right. #InternationalDayOfDeafblindness #DeafBlindAwarenessWeek #DeafBlindAwareness #HelenKeller #UnitedNations #DeafBlind #HelenKellerServices