Helen Keller Services (HKS)

Why Accessibility Matters. In today's digital world, braille displays are essential devices that dynamically create tactile text through electronically controlled pins that raise and lower to form braille characters. For blind and DeafBlind individuals, these devices provide real-time access to digital content - transforming everything from emails and e-books to apps and online services into tactile communication. Working in conjunction with screen readers and specialized software, braille displays convert on-screen content into braille, enabling independent navigation of digital landscape, from pursuing education and advancing careers to staying connected with loved ones. Our 2024 Accessibility Symposium highlighted how organizations across industries are making breakthrough strides in digital inclusion. When accessibility becomes a priority, we see innovation flourish, creating technologies and experiences that enhance life for everyone. As we enter 2025 and celebrate Braille Literacy Month in January, let's embrace accessibility as a powerful driver of innovation and human connection. When digital content is properly structured and coded for accessibility, it ensures braille display users can access the same information, opportunities, and connections that define our modern world. Together, we can build a digital future where everyone has a voice. Video Transcript: [audio description] Up-close footage of a braille display with moving pins, paired with a smart phone. [narrator] Why accessibility matters. Braille displays convert digital text into dynamic tactile braille, as users explore content through touch. [audio description] A finger touches the braille pins and points out the deice features. [narrator] For blind and DeafBlind individuals, these devices are gateways to information, education, careers, and connection. When we make digital content accessible, we ensure everyone has access to these opportunities. [audio description] Video fades to white, and the Helen Keller Services logo. #HelenKellerServices #Accessibility #AccessibilityMatters #AssistiveTechnology #Braille #Blindness #DeafBlind #BrailleLiteracy

As 2024 draws to a close, we at Helen Keller Services extend our warmest holiday wishes to our participants, families, staff, supporters, and partners. Thank you for being part of our remarkable community. We are grateful for your continued support in making 2024 a year of progress and achievement for so many. Wishing you and your loved ones joy and peace this holiday season. Image Description: A festive holiday card design featuring a crisp white center panel surrounded by a frame of alternating stripes in traditional holiday colors - forest green, warm beige, deep red, and golden yellow. At the top and bottom of the message are small decorative evergreen pine sprigs in forest green. The main text "Happy Holidays!" appears in a brush-stroke style in bright red. The Helen Keller Services logo is below the message. #HappyHolidays #HelenKellerServices #SeasonOfGiving #Inclusion #Community #Accessibility

What a fantastic gathering at HKNC last week! Our Regional Representatives came together for their semi-annual meeting, joined by our newly appointed Director of Field Services, Ashley Benton! These dedicated professionals are the heart of our national mission, connecting DeafBlind individuals with essential resources and support in their local communities. Through our 11 regional offices across the country, they serve as gateways to all that HKNC has to offer - consultation, advocacy, assessment, training, referrals and more. Working with vocational rehabilitation agencies, schools, healthcare providers, community support agencies, and employers alongside our DeafBlind Employment Specialists, they create networks of support tailored to each person's unique needs. As we look ahead to 2025, we're excited to expand the reach and impact of our field services under Ashley's leadership, ensuring that every DeafBlind individual has access to the support they need to live, work, and thrive in their community of choice. Want to connect with your local HKNC representative? Visit https://lnkd.in/ejZq9FaY. Image Description: Group photo of Helen Keller National Center Regional Representatives along with senior leadership taken at HKNC headquarters in Sands Point, NY. #HelenKellerServices #DeafBlind #DeafBlindness #DeafBlindCommunity #DeafBlindAwareness #VocationalRehabilitation 

A huge thank you to Zachary Ship, Director of Finance IT at Harry's, for the generous donation of 200 personal care kits to Helen Keller Services for the Blind that he helped coordinate on behalf of the Harry's Inc. family of brands We are so grateful for Zachary's thoughtfulness in organizing this donation. The kits, which include products made by both Harry's and Flamingo (a brand in the Harry's family) will be distributed to blind, low vision and DeafBlind participants at each of our locations. This year, through the NYS Commission for the Blind and HKSB, Zachary received comprehensive rehabilitation services including orientation and mobility, independent living, and assistive technology training. His dedication and determination helped him overcome the challenges he faced after suddenly losing his vision and much of his hearing. His success demonstrates the vital role of rehabilitation services in empowering individuals to thrive. We appreciate his support and contribution to others in our community.   Thank you again, Zachary, and Harry's, for your wonderful gift! Image Description: A square graphic split into four quadrants showing items in a Flamingo brand personal care kit, the Harry’s logo, an image of Zachary Ship wearing a jacket and tie, and a “thank you” written above the HKSB logo. #HelenKellerservices #Harrys #BlindCommunity #VisionLoss #Blindness #GivingBack #Shaving #Razors #Donation

Last month, Jenee Alleman and Tara Brown-Ogilvie, Ph.D., COMS, VRT-presented at the 2024 SERID Conference, held at Hilton Head Island, SC. Their presentation shared the results of HKNC's nationwide Needs of DeafBlind Older Adults survey study along with related statistics for the southeastern region. Other HKNC staff, including Executive Director John Filek and Associate Executive Director Ryan Odland, attended the SERID conference. Southeast Regional Representative Marilyn Trader and the DeafBlind Immersion Experience (DBIE) coordinator Tammie Christian also presented. About the study: Recognizing the Needs of Older Adults with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss In recent years, the aging population has increased dramatically, making older adults (age 55+) with dual sensory loss the largest sub-population of people who are DeafBlind. This growing population experiences unique challenges that are largely unknown to caregivers, direct service providers, and healthcare professionals. This nationwide survey obtained 334 responses from 45 states and 3 U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa). The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the service needs of older adults who are DeafBlind (age 55+) with practical implications for professionals and policymakers to adapt and prioritize services for this diverse population.   Learn more and download the presentation, Research to Practice Paper, and Survey Snapshot on our website at: https://lnkd.in/enmxUWv6. Image descriptions: 1) Jenee Alleman standing on stage presenting the survey results, while Marisa D’Rose provides Jenee with environmental information. 2) Tammie Christian, Tara Brown-Ogilvie, Marilyn Trader, and John Filek standing behind the HKNC booth table with various promotional materials at the SERID Conference. #HelenKellerServices #DeafBlind #DeafBlindness #HearingLoss #VisionLoss #Research

Helen Keller Services extends our deepest gratitude to the Tepper Family Foundation for their extraordinary contribution to our organization. Through their generous support, we were able to renovate and modernize our audiology suite at Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), where DeafBlind individuals gain access to critical audiology services and technology. For many in our community, maximizing residual hearing is crucial for independence, safety, and communication. This comprehensive renovation provides HKNC with cutting-edge equipment and facilities, ensuring we can deliver the highest standard of personalized audiological care that helps our participants thrive in their daily lives. We were honored to welcome Elise Tepper, Ed Tepper, and Jacqueline Tepper to HKNC for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of this vital new facility. To the Tepper family: Thank you! Your support will have an enduring impact for the community we serve. The Tepper family's commitment to supporting Helen Keller Services and the DeafBlind community exemplifies the profound difference philanthropic partnerships can make in advancing our mission. Image Descriptions: 1) Elise Tepper stands in front pointing to a plaque recognizing the Tepper Family Foundation which is on a wall outside of the audiology suite. Jacqueline Tepper and Ed Tepper stand alongside her. They are all smiling. 2) Elise Tepper cutting a red ribbon at the entrance of the audiology suite with her family by her side. #HelenKellerServices #DeafBlind #DeafBlindCommunity #Audiology #Philanthropy #PhilanthropyMatters #CommunitySupport #MakingADifference #GivingBack

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day when people worldwide unite to support the causes that matter most to them. This Giving Tuesday, we're asking you to support Camp Helen Keller, a summer camp on Long Island for children who are blind or have low vision. At Camp Helen Keller, children discover a world of wonder where new experiences build confidence and lasting friendships are formed. Through specially adapted activities in sports, technology, arts, music, and more campers explore and grow together in a supportive community with a true sense of belonging. Now more than ever, we need your support to ensure this program continues to enrich young lives. As we look to summer 2025, your generosity will help us continue offering this transformative camp experience for children who are blind or have low vision, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. Together, we can keep Camp Helen Keller a place where wonder, friendship, and possibility flourish. Please make your Giving Tuesday gift today at https://lnkd.in/egGwGVVB Thank you! Image Descriptions: (all graphics include the Giving Tuesday and Helen Keller Services logos and the statement: Make your gift today at https://lnkd.in/e3fmcDgG) 1) A Giving Tuesday graphic showing a young boy camper climbing on an obstacle course. Reads: Give the gift of…Confidence.  2) A Giving Tuesday graphic showing a boy and girl camper posing together and smiling for a photo. Reads: Give the gift of…Friendship  3) A Giving Tuesday graphic showing a girl camper walking across a ropes course. Reads: Give the gift of…Adventure.  4) A Giving Tuesday graphic showing a girl camper being guided to feel the mouth of a horse. Reads: Give the gift of…Wonder.  5) A Giving Tuesday graphic showing a group of campers and counselors wearing safety harnesses standing together during a field trip. Reads: Give the gift of…Belonging.  6) A Giving Tuesday graphic showing a girl camper wearing face paint sitting beside a Camp Helen Keller counselor.  Reads: Give the gift of…Camp Helen Keller. #HelenKellerServices #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2024 #CampHelenKeller #Blind #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #SummerCamp #BlindKidsCan #Inclusion #InclusionMatters #Belonging #LongIsland #LongIslandNY

We're thrilled to welcome Ashley Benton, MSW, as HKNC's new Director of Field Services! With 25 years serving the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communities, Ashley brings extensive expertise in program development, community engagement, and collaborative leadership. She'll lead our nationwide network of Regional Representatives who connect DeafBlind individuals with comprehensive services in their local communities. Ashley's experience includes leadership roles in NC's Division of Mental Health and Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, plus significant contributions to HKNC's Haptics training programs. Join us in welcoming Ashley to the HKNC team! Read the full press release at https://lnkd.in/eUudjEYn Image Description: Social media graphic welcoming Ashley Benton as the new Director of Field Services at HKNC. Ashley is pictured in the graphic described as a white woman with platinum, chin-length hair and glasses smiling confidently at the camera with her arms crossed and tucked in front of her. She is wearing a white blouse with a tan parka sweater over it. #HelenKellerServices #News #PressRelease #DeafBlind #DeafBlindCommunity #InclusiveLeadership #CommunityEngagement

As we gather to give thanks, Helen Keller Services extends our warmest wishes to our community for a Happy Thanksgiving. We're grateful for the opportunity to serve, support, and work alongside so many remarkable individuals and families. May your day be filled with cherished moments and meaningful connections. Image Description: A Thanksgiving graphic features the message “Happy Thanksgiving” in large font, followed by “from all of us at” and the Helen Keller Services logo. The background is light brown with decorative autumnal floral arrangements in the corners. Below the message, two individuals’ hands are shown connected in tactile sign language communication. . . . #HappyThanksgiving #Thanksgiving2024 #HelenKellerServices #ThankfulTogether

Last month at the Helen Keller Services 2024 Virtual Accessibility Symposium & Awards, we were honored to feature Bethany Foor, Corporate Affairs leader at Kellanova and passionate advocate for accessibility, as one of our distinguished speakers. Born with Usher syndrome, the leading cause of deafblindness, Beth courageously shared her personal journey - from being told she might never graduate high school to earning her MBA and becoming a driving force for innovation at Kellanova. Her story of navigating early career challenges while trying to hide her disability, to eventually embracing it and championing accessibility initiatives, resonates deeply with our mission. Beth's presentation reveals how Kellanova is revolutionizing product accessibility through groundbreaking initiatives like NaviLens technology on their iconic brands. As she powerfully states, "When you create a more accessible world for those with disabilities, you create a better world for everyone." Thank you, Beth, for your candid insights and actionable steps for creating meaningful change in the corporate world. Your message about investing in people with disabilities, fostering inclusive workplaces, and driving innovation through accessibility continues to inspire our community. Watch Beth's full presentation, complete with ASL interpretation and captions, to learn how prioritizing accessibility can transform your organization and expand market reach. #Accessibility #Inclusion #Innovation #DeafBlind #AccessibilityMatters #Disability #DisabilityInclusion #NaviLens #Kellanova #HelenKellerServices Video Transcript: https://lnkd.in/eZJxbp8j