Resources

National and Regional Organizations

HKNC maintains relationships with various government agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve deaf-blind individuals. Your regional representative can connect you with the best contacts at each organization.

Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the last week of June as “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.” In 2016 we are celebrating Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week from June 26 to July 2. Click here to learn more.

Online Resources

Links to general information on deaf-blindness:

• American Association of the Deaf-Blind
• World Federation of the DeafBlind
• National Center on Deaf-Blindness

Links to government agencies and programs:

• National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program

Links to family resources:

• National Family Association for Deaf-Blind

Links to information about common causes:

• Usher Syndrome Coalition
• The Charge Syndrome Foundation
• National Eye Institute on retinopathy of prematurity
• Norrie Disease Association

Links to information for senior citizens:

• American Foundation for the Blind Senior Site
• NIH Senior Health Information
• National Association for the Deaf Senior Resources
• Deaf Seniors of America
• Growing Older in America: The Health and Retirement Study
• The Boomer’s Roadmap for Aging in Place: How to Prepare Today for Your Senior Years
• Practical Advice | National Aging in Place Council
• Aging in Place | Design & Remodeling Resource Hub
• Aging and Preventive Health
• Preventing Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older People
• Canine Caregivers for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients
• 10 Stimulating Activities for Alzheimer’s Patients
• The Benefits of Cooking with Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide
• 10 Brain Exercises That Boost Memory

Links to information on audiology and hearing aids:

• The American Academy of Audiology
• The American Speech, Language, Hearing Association on finding an audiologist and hearing aid maintenance 
• Cleveland Clinic on obtaining a hearing aid  and tips for communicating with people with hearing loss
• The Hearing Loss Association of America

Listservs:

• Professionals Serving DeafBlind Consumers (PSDBC)

PSDBC is a listserv for professionals who are working in some capacity with deaf-blind individuals. Members can be hearing, deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, blind, etc. It is also open to anyone who is training to become a PSDBC. To request membership, send a blank email to psdbc+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Regional Resources

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.