What is DeafBlind Awareness Week?
In recognition of the achievements of people who are DeafBlind, the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults (HKNC) celebrates the last week in June as “DeafBlind Awareness Week.”
This year marks the 41st anniversary of this national advocacy campaign which has been held each year since 1984 when then-President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation in recognition of this special week. The purpose of DeafBlind Awareness Week is to raise public awareness about individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss.
In 2025, we will celebrate Helen Keller DeafBlind Awareness Week from June 22nd to June 28th. This year’s campaign, “Cultivating Leadership: Together We Grow,” focuses on leadership development within the DeafBlind community across all life stages.
2025 Campaign Theme
Cultivating Leadership: Together We Grow
Leadership within the DeafBlind community flourishes through cultivation, education, and courage. From youth discovering their potential and navigating educational pathways, to working professionals breaking barriers in their fields, to experienced adults mentoring others and advocating for change—each journey illuminates the path for others to follow.
This continuous cycle of growth, guidance, and shared experience connects generations, allowing knowledge to flow in multiple directions. Together, the DeafBlind community transforms challenges into opportunities, nurturing future leaders and fostering development across all life stages.
Read our full perspective: Leadership Across the DeafBlind Community: A Journey of Growth.
2025 DeafBlind Awareness Week Poster
Visual Description: The poster features a horizontal rectangular layout with a clean, minimalist design in a limited color palette of navy blue, light blue, cream/beige, and green. At the top in large, bold navy blue text is “CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP” with “Together, We Grow” in burgundy script below. The supporting text reads: “Leadership within the DeafBlind community flourishes through cultivation, education, and courage. From youth discovering possibilities to adults sharing wisdom, each journey illuminates the paths for others, offering guidance and shared experiences that turn challenges into opportunities across all life stages.”
The right side features a navy blue lighthouse silhouette on a hill, with a winding white path curving down and across the poster through an abstract landscape of gentle curves and color blocks in varying shades of blue and green. The lighthouse beam projects left, encompassing the tagline and text. Five DeafBlind individuals are positioned along the path from left to right: Noah Richtmeyer-Weiner, a transition age youth in a navy suit vest and tie holding a suit jacket over his shoulder; Jon Gabry signing with one hand while receiving tactile ASL communication with the other; Bryan Ward signing in ASL and using a braille display; Laurie McBride in a martial arts uniform holding a white cane in a taekwondo stance; and Dr. Francis Joseph Casale signing in ASL while presenting at a podium with a braille display. The bottom right displays the HKNC logo and a QR code with HelenKeller.org underneath, with subtle leaf/growth elements on both sides of the poster.
Audio of Poster Description
This audio is generated directly from the visual description
Featured Individuals: A Journey Across Life Stages
Our 2025 poster features five individuals from the DeafBlind community who embody the leadership journey at various life stages:
Noah Richtmeyer-Weiner
Youth Discovering Possibilities
Representing youth navigating the transition from high school to adult life, discovering the endless possibilities ahead. Individual Profile
Jon Gabry
Ambitious DeafBlind Artist
An artist with an entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating how creativity and business acumen can flourish together.
Bryan Ward
Coordinator iCC Programs at HKNC
Demonstrating leadership as a working-age adult, breaking barriers in his professional field.
Laurie McBride
DeafBlind Employment Specialist
Laurie demonstrates leadership both professionally and personally as a DeafBlind Employment Specialist and accomplished martial artist, showing how DeafBlind individuals excel in multiple areas and inspire others through diverse achievements. Individual Profile
Dr. Francis Joseph Casale
Respected Pastor and Educator
With a PhD in theology and counseling education, he has served the DeafBlind community for over 30 years, representing the wisdom and guidance that older adults provide. Individual Profile
Join Us in Celebrating DeafBlind Awareness Week
1. Learn about the DeafBlind community
Being DeafBlind refers to an individual who has combined hearing and vison loss. At Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), we believe that education is essential to understanding the challenges and celebrating the accomplishments of DeafBlind individuals.
Explore Our Resources
The HKNC Learning Center offers practical, easy-to-access learning tools designed to support the independence, employment success, and quality of life of DeafBlind individuals. Our self-paced online courses, live webinars, and downloadable resources are created for DeafBlind individuals, their families, and the professionals who support them.
Whether you’re a direct support provider, VR counselor, caregiver, interpreter, or a DeafBlind person yourself, our resources cover topics including communication, technology, respectful interactions, and vocational training.
Special Offer for DeafBlind Awareness Week 2025
In recognition of DeafBlind Awareness Week, we’re offering two of our paid courses completely free throughout the month of June. These comprehensive courses provide in-depth training on essential topics for anyone working with or supporting DeafBlind individuals:
Free Course #1: Ensuring Access to Communication: A Guide For Direct Providers Working with DeafBlind Individuals
Learn practical strategies for communicating with DeafBlind individuals through various modalities including sign language, speech, text, and alternative methods like print on palm. This course covers essential accommodations and modifications, presented in ASL with voice interpretation specifically for direct providers and support staff. Available with captions and transcripts in both English and Spanish. (Use coupon code: DBAWCommunication)
Free Course #2: Technology Solutions for Older Adults with Combined Hearing and Vision Loss
A comprehensive 3-part course designed for professionals and caregivers working with older adults who have combined hearing and vision loss. Learn about adaptive technologies that enhance communication and independent living, with practical guidance developed by HKNC experts and input from the DeafBlind community to improve quality of life and self-sufficiency. (Use coupon code: DBAWTech)
Beyond these special courses, our Learning Center offers a comprehensive collection of free resources covering essential topics from cultural understanding to practical communication strategies, all designed to support your ongoing learning and professional development. These foundational resources are among our most popular offerings and represent a selection from our extensive Learning Center Resource library:
- DeafBlind Culture – Understanding the unique experiences and cultural nuances of DeafBlind individuals.
- Guidelines for Respectful Interactions with DeafBlind Individuals – Essential communication approaches
- Confident Living with Hearing and Vision Technology – A guide for older adults and family members on using accessible technology and apps to support daily life with combined hearing and vision loss.
- Working with Sign Language Interpreters: Key Considerations When Communicating with DeafBlind Individuals – Tips for ensuring clear, inclusive communication when interpreters are involved.
- Haptics Video Series – An introduction to a system that provides visual and environmental information via touch on the body—used with DeafBlind individuals to offer real-time, discreet access to information. This series includes demonstrations and personal insights from DeafBlind individuals on how Haptics has enhanced their daily lives and how it can be used effectively in a variety of settings.
HKNC is the only national agency that provides information, referrals, support, and a Comprehensive Vocational and Rehabilitation Program exclusively to DeafBlind youths and adults who have combined hearing and vision loss, along with support for families and professionals who work with them.
2. Raise Awareness Online
During DeafBlind Awareness Week, we encourage you to raise public awareness about individuals who are DeafBlind by downloading and sharing our campaign graphic on social media and using the suggested copy below.
Suggested Copy: “Leadership within the DeafBlind community flourishes through cultivation, education, and courage. This DeafBlind Awareness Week, join Helen Keller National Center in celebrating this journey from youth discovering possibilities to experienced adults mentoring others. Each journey illuminates the path for others to follow, creating a continuous cycle of growth that strengthens our entire community.”
Tag: @helenkellerservices
Hashtags: Use #DBAW25 #CultivatingLeadership #DeafBlindAwarenessWeek”
Resources: www.HelenKeller.org/DBAW25
Campaign Graphic Image Description
The 2025 DeafBlind Awareness Week poster features “Cultivating Leadership: Together, We Grow” with five DeafBlind individuals at different life stages positioned along a winding white path that leads to a lighthouse on the right side. The path represents the journey of leadership development across different life stages. The design uses a clean color palette of navy blue, light blue, cream, and green with an abstract landscape of gentle curves and color blocks. The bottom right displays the Helen Keller National Center logo and QR code.
3. Learn About Digital Accessibility
At Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), we believe that everyone is entitled to equal access in digital spaces, and we are committed to promoting digital accessibility for all. Making the internet more accessible for everyone, including those who are DeafBlind, is a top priority here at HKNC.
4. Proclamation – Write Your Local Legislator
Contact your local elected officials – Congressperson, Mayor, Governor, Town Supervisor, or other representatives – and request an official Proclamation declaring June 22-28, 2025 as DeafBlind Awareness Week in your community. Proclamations raise public awareness, demonstrate official support for the DeafBlind community, and help establish DeafBlind Awareness Week as a recognized annual observance. Your advocacy helps ensure that DeafBlind individuals gain greater visibility and recognition for their contributions to society.
5. Read Success Stories from individuals who are DeafBlind
Discover the transformative journeys of numerous DeafBlind individuals who have acquired invaluable skills, enabling them to enhance their independence, integrate into the workforce, and cultivate self-assurance through their participation in Helen Keller National Center’s vocational and rehabilitation programs.
Contact Us
For further information, contact Helen Keller National Center’s Development Department:
- Address: 141 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, New York, 11050
- Phone (Voice): 516-944-8900, ext.1299
- Email: hkncinfo@hknc.org
- Website: www.helenkeller.org/hknc