On Friday, January 24, 2025, Helen Keller Services hosted an Employer Recognition Breakfast celebrating organizations that partner with our vocational rehabilitation programs. The event honored employers working with both Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) and Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC) who create meaningful employment opportunities and workplace experiences for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision.

Creating Pathways to Professional Growth

Organizations across healthcare, retail, cultural institutions, and many other sectors received certificates recognizing their outstanding partnerships. Through work experience training opportunities, participants gain hands-on experience in professional environments while developing workplace competencies and confidence. Among the honored partners were Northwell Health, Nassau County Museum of Art, The Viscardi Center, Farmingdale Public Library, Jersey Mike’s, and many other organizations committed to creating inclusive workplaces. These employers demonstrate how workplace diversity and accessibility benefit organizations, employees and the communities they serve.

“At Helen Keller Services, we’re committed to creating strategic partnerships between employers and job seekers. When we facilitate these connections effectively, it drives success for individuals, organizations, and entire communities,” says Jeff Kunkel, Chief of Programs at Helen Keller Services for the Blind. “Events like this allow us to recognize the employers whose commitment to these partnerships makes meaningful careers possible.”

Building Confidence: From Training to Career Achievement

The impact of these partnerships came alive through presentations from program participants. Kevin shared his inspiring journey through HKSB’s vision rehabilitation services and vocational training, which led to his current full-time position at the Farmingdale Public Library. Through HKSB’s TEAM Program, Kevin mastered essential workplace technologies including JAWS screen reader software, Microsoft Office, and Zoom platforms. “Not only did these skills have an immediate impact in enhancing my confidence level, but they proved invaluable in my pursuit of employment,” Kevin shared.

Kevin stands at a podium speaking into a microphone.  An ASL interpreter stands to his right signing to the event attendees.

The collaboration between HKSB and the Farmingdale Public Library played a pivotal role in Kevin’s career success. As part of HKSB’s Work Experience Training program, Kevin secured an internship at the library while still completing his TEAM classes. Within six months, he achieved his civil service certification and was hired full-time as a Community Service Information Assistant. Today, Kevin combines his broadcasting background with his technical expertise, producing and hosting the library’s first-ever podcast.

Elizabeth, a DeafBlind participant at Helen Keller National Center who shared her story through an interpreter, highlighted HKNC’s impact on her confidence and employment outlook. She described her transformation from feeling uncertain about employment prospects to a new-found confidence she gained through her work experience at Jersey Mike’s. Her message underscores how meaningful collaborations create real and practical opportunities for individuals to develop skills and pursue their employment goals.

Elizabeth presents her message to a large group of event attendees who are sitting at tables.

Our Valued Employment Partners

We were honored to recognize representatives from organizations including:

  • Northwell Health
  • Nassau County Museum of Art
  • The Viscardi Center
  • Con Edison
  • Clear Vision Optical
  • Estelle’s Dressy Dresses
  • Farmingdale Public Library
  • Hyatt Garden City
  • Jersey Mike’s
  • Copiague Memorial Public Library
  • Twin Pines Thrift Shop
  • Mill Neck Family of Organizations
  • Port Washington Federal Credit Union
  • Port Washington Public Library
  • Sands Point Center for Health & Rehabilitation
  • Sea Cliff Village Library
  • St. Francis School for the Deaf
  • The Corporate Source
  • The Nicholas Center
  • The Regency Assisted Living

Creating Lasting Impact Through Collaborative Partnerships

To our valued partners: Your dedication to providing real-world work experiences opens doors that extend far beyond the workplace. Through internships and hands-on learning opportunities, your partnership allows our participants to bridge the gap between training and employment, building the confidence and skills needed for career success. Each collaboration strengthens our vocational rehabilitation programs while advancing our shared vision of an inclusive workforce where talent and determination lead to meaningful careers. We’re proud to recognize your outstanding commitment to advancing employment opportunities for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision.

For organizations interested in partnering with Helen Keller Services’ vocational rehabilitation programs, our participants bring unique perspectives, skills, and dedication that enhance any workplace environment. Whether serving individuals in the New York metropolitan area through HKSB or working with HKNC participants who return to communities nationwide, these collaborations make it possible for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision to showcase their capabilities, advance professionally, and thrive in their chosen fields.

To learn more about partnering with Helen Keller Services’ vocational rehabilitation programs, contact us at info@helenkeller.org.

Representative from Farmingdale Public Library holds a certificate while standing between HKSB participant Kevin and HKSB's Program Director of Placement Services, Karen Barrett.
Two representatives from Northwell Health holding their certificate of recognition stand next to Joe Melillo, HKS National Employer & Business Relations Specialist.
Event honorees stand together with Karen Barrett and HKS CEO Sue Ruzenski.
Two representatives for St. Frances School for the Deaf stand together holding their certificate of recognition.
Representatives from the Nicholas Center and Nassau County Museum of Art stand together with HKS leadership.
Ryan Odland, Associate Executive Director at HKNC communicates with a representative from Mill Neck Family of Organizations in tactile sign language.

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