Overview

The HKNC Older Adult Program envisions a world where every older adult with combined hearing and vision loss has the opportunity to age in place with dignity and independence by:

  • directly accessing education or services
  • interfacing with caregivers informed on combined hearing and vision loss
  • receiving services from a professional trained in combined hearing and vision loss

HKNC offers specialized services to individuals who are experiencing a combined loss of hearing and vision, their families and the professionals that serve them.

2 men and a woman standing in a kitchen. One of the men shows an adaptive device to the woman who holds a white cane

Our older adult specialist and 11 HKNC regional representatives are available to provide information about resources and training opportunities that are available to them locally and nationally.

Confident Living Program

Are you a DeafBlind older adult? Are you an older adult facing new challenges due to combined hearing and vision loss? HKNC’s Confident Living Programs, co-designed by older adults with combined vision and hearing loss, help you maintain an independent lifestyle. During our virtual and onsite programs, you’ll have opportunities to: 

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Learn about the latest in assistive technology. 

Learn strategies to help you take care of your home, prepare for emergencies, travel safely, enjoy leisure activities and more. 

Find out about services and resources that are available to you. 

Interact with people who know exactly what you are going through. 

Caregiver Support

Are you a family member concerned about your loved one? Do you work with older adults at a long-term care facility or as an in-home service provider? HKNC provides support to caregivers who support older adults, including information on understanding hearing and vision loss, how to respectfully communicate, assistive technology solutions, and daily living accommodations that can increase independence and overall wellbeing.

A woman and an older man with a hearing aid sit at a desk looking at a computer screen with large text on it. The woman is pointing at a computer screen with her left hand and holding the computer mouse with her right hand
An older man smiling at the camera at a desk next to a computer screen that has the words “Basilicata, Authentic Italy, Karen Haid” on it in fancy typeface

Advocacy and Education

The older adult specialist makes presentations at local and national conferences, offers workshops across the country and collaborates with government and nonprofit organizations to help cultivate a greater understanding of the abilities and needs of older adults who are experiencing a combined loss of hearing and vision.

For more information about the Helen Keller National Center Older Adult Program, contact Jenee Alleman, Older Adult Specialist: jalleman@helenkeller.org

Resources

Check out these sites for helpful information for older adults who are living with combined hearing and vision loss.