Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults (HKNC)

Experience HKNC

Live. Live your life on your terms.

Work. Prepare for a great job, pursue your passion or devote yourself to a cause.

Thrive. Define success in your own way—and achieve it.

At HKNC, you'll find the training, resources and support to make all this possible

Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop an individualized action plan tailored to your needs and goals, and everything you learn will have practical, real world applications. One-on-one training, cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning and the opportunity to interact with people who know firsthand the challenges you face—it's all part of the HKNC experience.

First Look: On-Campus Services

Video & Transcript

HKNC Overview of Services

Students, family members and instructors talk about the life-changing training, programs and resources available at HKNC headquarters.

Go to the Overview of Services Video

READ CONNECT! HKNC’s NEWSLETTER

Keep “connected” with what’s taking place at the Center and learn about things that are happening of interest to people who are DeafBlind.

THE TERM DeafBlind BECOMES STANDARIZED AT HKNC

Helen Keller National Center recently made the decision to replace the term “deaf-blind” with “DeafBlind” - language that is more consistent with that used by other national organizations and the DeafBlind community. This decision was made as a result of an anonymous survey of current DeafBlind staff, consumers and the HKNC Consumer Advisory Council. HKNC recognizes the value behind the term DeafBlind: That each person’s experience is unique and includes much more than his or her vision and hearing loss. HKNC continues to align its philosophy and services with this meaning and recognizes the community’s preference for the term DeafBlind.

Resources for Consumers and Professionals during COVID-19

We have collected some resources we hope you find helpful in these unprecedented times. This page is updated frequently, so please be sure to check in regularly. Included are some resources about COVID-19 in English, Spanish, and ASL. Additionally, many individuals are working remotely or trying to continue consumer learning from home, and we have included a variety of resources (some for consumers and some for professionals). This is by no means a comprehensive list, but we hope you will find something for you or your clients. 

Now Offering:

The HKNC Professional Learning Department (PLD) offers online and hybrid courses. 

HKNC offers a Professional Learning and Leadership Institute (PLLI) for individuals who are DeafBlind seeking employment in the rehabilitation field.  

Check out HKNC’s expanded services.

Connect with those who live with, support and advocate for individuals who are DeafBlind: Family Engagement Initiative

HKNC Locations

HKNC operates a residential training facility at our headquarters in Sands Point, New York.

Check out our FAQs about training at HKNC headquarters.

Our national network of regional offices brings HKNC resources to your neighborhood.

HKNC Locations

National Registry

HKNC maintains a confidential national registry of people who are deafblind. The information we collect informs our research and program planning, and enhances our advocacy efforts.

HKNC Voices

"I know what it's like to struggle to learn braille."

-Maricar, Instructor

"Learning mobility gives you true independence"

-Adriana, Student

"My training has made me more of a complete person."

-Joey, Student

HKNC students tell their stories in their own words

Students at HKNC talk about their personal experiences while at the center.  Hear their stories in their own words. 

DeafBlind Awareness 2021

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 “Helen Keller DeafBlind Awareness Week.”