Honoring a Legacy of Understanding and Connection

Join us as we honor Barbara Walters and Dr. Robert J. Smithdas with the unveiling of this lasting tribute — a space that will welcome future generations of DeafBlind individuals at the Helen Keller National Center.

the most memorable interview of my career

Barbara Walters

Throughout her storied career, Barbara Walters interviewed presidents, world leaders, and Hollywood icons. Yet she called Dr. Robert J. Smithdas, pioneering DeafBlind advocate who led the establishment of the Helen Keller National Center, “the most memorable interview of my career.”

Their enduring friendship showed us that the most meaningful connections happen when we choose to reach across boundaries with patience and respect to understand and celebrate our differences.

Made possible through a generous gift from the Estate of Barbara Walters, the atrium has been thoughtfully designed to create an accessible, tactile, and aesthetic space that recognizes their shared legacy and our commitment to access, communication, and connection.

RSVP

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About Helen Keller Services

For over a century, Helen Keller Services has empowered individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision to reach their full potential. From early childhood education, a summer camp on Long Island and programs for youths, to assistive technology training, vocational rehabilitation, and specialized support for seniors with vision loss, we transform barriers into opportunities and create pathways to independence at every stage of life.


Questions

If you have any questions or need assistance to RSVP, please contact Monica Godfrey-Lehrer at (516) 393-7706 or email us at HKSEvents@helenkeller.org.