The Iowa Standard: Sen. Marshall Introduces Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act
Learn about the Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act and how the center positively impacts the DeafBlind community.
By The Iowa Standard
July 20, 2023
Original article on The Iowa Standard’s website
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. co-sponsored the bipartisan Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) for five years. HKNC is the only national program that provides resources and support through rehabilitation and vocational training for the DeafBlind community. The HKNC Great Plains, located in Olathe, has an important presence in Kansas and services the deaf and blind community throughout Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska.
“I admire the important work that the Helen Keller National Center is doing to empower our deaf and blind community in Kansas and across the country. The HKNC does an excellent job providing crucial resources and services to help each member achieve their dreams,” Senator Marshall said. “Our bipartisan legislation reauthorizes these centers and provides much-needed certainty to the members of the HKNC.”
“For over 50 years, the Helen Keller National Center has provided critical support services and resources to the DeafBlind community in New York and across the country,” Senator Gillibrand said. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues in this effort to reauthorize this vital center and ensure that members of the DeafBlind community continue to receive the support to fully participate in their communities.”
This legislation was led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in the U.S. Senate and also introduced in the House of Representatives by Mark Pocan (D-WI-02) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02). Read the Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act here.
