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Upcoming Events

HKS Overview

Welcome to Helen Keller Services

Since 1893, we’ve been providing services to individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision or combined hearing and vision loss to make their own dreams come true.

Our two divisions, Helen Keller Services for the Blind and the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults, provide customized training and support for individuals in the Greater New York area and across the United States.

Our instructors provide personalized training and guidance to each individual. Our clients are true partners in the process, collaborating with staff to design training plans that are tailored to their needs and goals. Everything they learn through HKS has practical, real world applications.

One-on-one coaching, cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning and the chance to interact with people who know firsthand the challenges of living with vision or combined vision and hearing loss—it’s all part of the HKS experience.

Latest News

HKNC participant Elizabeth holding a white cane and communicating in tactile sign language with another individual at an event.
A woman wearing a red sweater sitting at a table smiles and waves at the camera.
An HKS staff member and participant holding an Accessible Pedestrian Signal.
A person's hands using gaming controllers on a table with various sports simulation devices including a football field display and a "Kings" controller, alongside a laptop and QR code tickets.
A graphic promoting Helen Keller Services and the Foundation Fighting Blindness Vision Walk event.
A group of youth program participants and one adult standing at HKNC entrance with text "NEW SUMMER 2025 YOUTH PROGRAMS" overlaid.

Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults

We are leading the way in services, support and technology for DeafBlind youth and adults across the United States. Whether you access services through our Long Island, NY, campus, virtually or in your community, you will find the knowledge, innovation and understanding you need to set and achieve your own life goals.

Summer Youth Programs at HKNC

A group of youth program participants and one adult standing at HKNC entrance with text "NEW SUMMER 2025 YOUTH PROGRAMS" overlaid.

HKNC’s expanded summer programs for DeafBlind youth ages 14-22 open doors to independence, career exploration, and essential skills development. For Summer 2025, we’re offering six dynamic programs at our Sands Point, New York campus—including three new specialized tracks focusing on STEAM careers, college preparation, and braille literacy. Explore our comprehensive offerings and find the perfect program to make this a transformative summer experience.

Scholarship funds are available. To learn more about HKNC’s summer programs please contact your HKNC Regional Representative.

Who is HKNC for?

  • People Who Are DeafBlind or Have Combined Hearing and Vision Loss
  • Living in the United States and U.S. Territories
  • Services for Teens & Young Adults

Helen Keller Services for the Blind

For people experiencing vision loss throughout the greater New York area, we are here to provide the services, training, learning and technology you need to live life to the fullest — from a diverse team that understands your challenges firsthand.

A preschool girl plays with a sensory toy in a Children's Learning Center classroom.
Here is where it starts. Located in Downtown Brooklyn, Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s Children’s Learning Center offers the only specialized program in NYC for preschool children with low vision, multiple disabilities, autism, or pervasive developmental delays.

Who is HKSB for?

  • People Who Are Blind, Low Vision or with Developmental Disabilities
  • New York City/Long Island Area
  • Transition Age Youth Through Seniors
Group of men and women sitting at tables and signing in a large room

On-site & Online Courses

HKNC Learning Center

We believe in life long learning. That is why we offer a broad range of in-person and online courses and other educational resources for professionals who work with individuals who are DeafBlind, or have combined hearing and vision loss, and/or have additional disabilities. We also offer courses and resources for families and individuals who are DeafBlind.

Voices From The Community

I feel much more confident in my own abilities. My O&M instructor helped me maneuver myself in the streets and use my cane properly. He was so patient and understanding with me.

Kent Harper

The workers were always professional, listened to me and my ideas, advocated for me, and made me feel like they were a part of my journey.

Margaret Parker

Join Our Mission

Donors

Your support transforms barriers into opportunities, creating pathways to independence for individuals who are blind or DeafBlind at every stage of life.

Partners

Our partner network is doing more, together. Bring us your ideas, projects and initiatives and discover how we can work as a team.

Volunteers

Your time is our greatest resource. Volunteers find fulfillment and make a difference every day at HKS.

We are proud to partner with some of the most innovative and progressive individuals and organizations in the country.

News & Events

We have been busy! Find out what we have been up to, and check out what is coming next.

Helen Keller Services Dining in the Dark event graphic.
Upcoming Events May 17 – May 17, 2025 Sands Point Preserve Castle Gould Great Hall 127 Middle Neck Rd. Sands Point, NY 11050
Dining in the Dark

Advancing Access Through Innovation

Group photo from HKS 2024 Golf Classic.
Upcoming Events Jun 23 – Jun 23, 2025 Village Club of Lake Success 318 Lakeville Rd Great Neck, NY 11020
Helen Keller Services 34th Annual Golf Classic