As the result of a Presidential Proclamation in 1984, the week of June 27th (Helen Keller's birthday) has been designated Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. Every year, the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC) celebrates this anniversary with a national campaign highlighting a particular aspect of deaf-blindness. HKNC reports that more than a million people in the United States are estimated to be deaf-blind and those numbers are growing steadily.
This year's theme is "Deaf-Blindness Didn't Stop with Helen Keller." HKNC wants to challenge the assumption that Helen Keller is the only recognizable person who is deaf-blind. The intent of this special week is to show the diversity, accomplishments and potential of today’s deaf-blind community.
Posters, sample press releases, and listings of activities across the country can be found on the HKNC website.
Is your Affiliate prepared to provide services for people who are deaf-blind? Learn more and find local resources:
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