South Central
HKNC Regional Network
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Contact Info:
Jenna Rydl (Regional Representative)
Mobile: 516-512-0178 (Call/Text)
VP: 802-321-8596
jrydl@helenkeller.org
Tashalee Cruz (Administrative Assistant)
Mobile: 516-460-6702 (Text)
tcruz@helenkeller.org
Regional Representative Jenna Rydl
Our regional offices bring HKNC resources to you.
Your regional representative knows all about the programs and services that are available to DeafBlind 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.
Meet the representatives and specialists in your region.
Jenna Rydl
Regional Representative
Jenna Rydl transitioned to South Central from New Hampshire, where she worked for two and a half years as an itinerant Orientation and Mobility instructor for HKNC’s New England region. Before working for Helen Keller, she lived and worked in Texas for several years as an ASL interpreter in post-secondary education and video relay service settings.
Jenna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitative Services with a focus on Orientation and Mobility from Stephen F. Austin State University in East Texas and is now a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist as well as a Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Advanced-level certified interpreter.
Her diverse background includes work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community, children and adults with multiple disabilities, as an Orientation and Mobility instructor, as well as international experience as an au pair in Switzerland. In her free time, Jenna enjoys reading voraciously, baking, and experiencing different cultures.
Jenna is eager to make connections and find creative solutions in the states of Region 6!
Local & Community Services
Are you interested in getting involved in the DeafBlind community in the South Central 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.
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 DeafBlind 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