New England Region
Our Service Area
The New England Region encompasses the following states:
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont
What We Do
Our regional offices bring HKNC resources to you. Your regional representative knows all about the programs and services that are available to deaf-blind individuals, their families and service providers in your state and beyond, and can help you find and access the ones that are right for you.
Whether you’re interested in learning about support services near your home, would like to take advantage of the technology available through the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program or want to explore the possibility of training at our national headquarters, your regional representative is your link to all that HKNC has to offer ─ consultation, advocacy, assessment, training, referrals and more.
Regional Representative
The interim Region 1 Representative is Laura Benge
Laura Benge joined the HKNC team in November of 2017 as the regional representative for Region 8. Laura has a degree in Rehabilitation with an emphasis and COMS certification in Orientation and Mobility from Stephen F. Austin State University. She also has a minor in Spanish studies.
Prior to assuming her position with HKNC, Laura worked as Utah’s DeafBlind Specialist. In that position she provided case-management services, coordinated Utah’s DeafBlind Support Service Provider Program, worked closely with vocational rehabilitation counselors, and administered services for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. The Region 8 office is now located in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Laura resides.
Contact Information
Laura Benge (Regional Representative)Email: laura.benge@hknc.org
Taryn Hill (Administrative Assistant)Email: taryn.hill@hknc.org;
PO Box 271231
Salt Lake City, UT 84127
Voice: 801-518-9401
VP: 385-355-8392
Local Events
Are you interested in getting involved in the deaf-blind community in the New England Region? Your regional representative can provide information about social gatherings, conferences, listservs and more. Check this space for announcements about upcoming events or contact your regional representative to request email notifications.
Local Resources
You need answers about what’s out there for you, and HKNC has them.
Ask your regional representative about:
- The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
- Local services and referrals
- On-site assessment, consultation and training
- Making connections with other individuals and families within the deaf-blind community
- Technical assistance and in-service training
- Plans for youth transitioning from educational programs to post-educational services
- Educational materials and presentations about the capabilities and preferences of people with combined vision and hearing loss
If the services you need are not available in your area, you might want to consider exploring HKNC headquarters in New York as an option for assessment and training. Check out our FAQs and contact your regional representative for more information.