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Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults
OUR MISSION: The mission of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults is to enable each person who is deaf-blind to live and work in his or her community of choice.
Authorized by an Act of Congress in 1967, the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC) is a national rehabilitation program serving youth and adults who are deaf-blind.
WHO WE SERVE: The Center provides services to youth and adults who are deaf-blind according to the definition of deaf-blindness in the Helen Keller Act.
Programs:
HKNC offers individualized evaluation and training which will assist consumers in achieving their own definition of success. The trans-disciplinary team works in partnership with each consumer to design a program to meet his/her needs, desires, preferences and abilities. The emphasis for the consumers in the program is to participate in learning opportunities which will lead to successful employment and a full, enriched and independent life in the community. The philosophy of the Center is one of self-determination for all consumers.
Consumers may receive individualized services in a number of ways:
1) participate in a full or partial day vocational training program at our headquarters in New York;
2) receive short term training in their home community
3) participate in a 2-week summer seminar for high school students who have combined vision and hearing loss
4) attend an 8-week summer evaluation before completing high school
5) join the Confident Living Program seminar at HKNC headquarters for seniors, age 55 and better, who have combined vision and hearing loss.
Field Based Services:
HKNC has a network of field services. Staff provide information, training and support through a variety of programs:
Regional Representatives – provide information, support and advocacy nationwide to individuals with combined vision and hearing loss, their families and the professionals who support them
Senior Adult Services – our Senior Adult Specialist provides information, support, advocacy and training to seniors, age 55 and better, with combined vision and hearing loss, their families and the professionals who serve them. Through the Confident Living Program, offered at HKNC headquarters, and the Confident Living Program On the Road, seniors learn about: self advocacy; creative solutions to performing daily tasks; low and high tech devices; local resources and more.
Community Services Program – a team of rehabilitation professionals provide home- and work-based services to youth and adults who are deaf-blind living in the 5 boroughs of New York City, Westchester and Long Island.
Affiliate Program – agencies affiliated with HKNC
Professional Training:
The National Training Team was established to increase knowledge and support the development of skills specific to deaf-blindness in those working with consumers who are deaf-blind across the country. NTT members or HKNC staff provide interactive and participatory training in a variety of settings including seminars, on-site conferences and short term programs.
2012 HKNC seminar schedule includes:
Part I – independent, online study materials are completed prior to the on campus seminar. Participants may be required to: read articles; view videos; complete written assignments; take quizzes.
Part II – 3 to 4 days at HKNC's New York campus. These days will include hands-on practice as well as opportunities to interact with students and staff who are deaf-blind.
Information Services: Manages an array of resources and support services for the Center including:
responds to requests for information about deaf-blindness
disseminates information packets about the Center's services and topics
publishes CONNECT!, HKNC's tri-annual newsletter
handles requests for tours
maintains the HKNC library
maintains the National Registry
Please visit our website or Contact us for more information:
Regional Representatives
Headquarters/ Administrative Offices:
