Advancing Access, Unlocking Potential
Thank you for your continued support!
Thank You for Supporting Helen Keller Services
For over a century, Helen Keller Services has supported individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision to reach their full potential. Your generous support has been instrumental in carrying forward this legacy of service and innovation. From our specialized preschool programs to comprehensive vocational training and senior support services, we create pathways to independence at every stage of life.
Through innovative technology, education, and advocacy, we’re building a more accessible and inclusive world. As a valued member of our giving community, you’ve helped make 2024 a year of remarkable achievement and growth. We invite you to explore this special year-end resource page, where you’ll find our proudest accomplishments and discover the many ways you can extend your impact.
Finding His Voice Again: How
TEAM Program Training Launched a New Chapter
For Kevin S, vision loss could have meant the end of his broadcasting career. Instead, it became the beginning of an unexpected but remarkable professional transformation. When Kevin joined Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s TEAM (Technology, Employment, Achievement, and Mastery) he wasn’t just learning new skills – he was rebuilding his future. Working closely with TEAM Program specialists, Kevin learned to navigate the digital workplace using JAWS screen reader technology, Microsoft Office, and Zoom. These technical capabilities didn’t just open doors – they restored his professional confidence.
“Under their tutelage, I learned the skills to navigate the internet, Zoom Workplace & Microsoft Office as a visually impaired individual,” Kevin shares. “Not only did these skills have an immediate impact in enhancing my confidence level, but they proved invaluable in my pursuit of employment.”
While still enrolled in TEAM classes, Kevin’s determination led him to participate in our Work Experience Training Program, where he secured an internship at his local public library. Within just six months, he achieved his civil service certification and was appointed as a Community Service Information Assistant. Today, Kevin produces and hosts the library’s first-ever podcast, elegantly combining his broadcasting background with his newly acquired technical expertise.
The TEAM Program goes beyond basic training to equip participants with high-level skills needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. The program’s personalized approach, featuring small class sizes and dedicated support, ensures participants are thoroughly prepared for success in various professional settings. Kevin’s story demonstrates what we at Helen Keller Services believe deeply: while vision loss may change someone’s path, it need not define their future. Through TEAM’s technical training and hands-on opportunities, our participants not only find adaptations to their circumstances, but paths to professional growth and renewed purpose.
2024 Year In Review – Highlights
Dining in the Dark
Our Dining in the Dark and Fireside Chat event, co-hosted with Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., was a unique and memorable occasion. Guests were immersed in a distinctive dining experience, blindfolded, to raise awareness and understanding about the blind, low vision and DeafBlind communities, while highlighting the vocational and rehabilitative programs of Helen Keller Services and the individuals we serve.
During the Fireside Chat portion of the evening, our guests heard from individuals who are blind and DeafBlind about their lived experiences, resilience, and journeys overcoming barriers to thrive in their communities.
Tech Blitz 2024 – Unlocking the Future of Assistive Technology
Helen Keller Services’ Tech Blitz event at Helen Keller National Center brought together members of the blind, DeafBlind, and low vision communities for an inspiring day of innovation and connection. The event showcased cutting-edge assistive technologies from leading vendors, creating an engaging environment where attendees could explore and test new devices designed to enhance independence and communication. The phenomenal turnout and enthusiastic participation from both vendors and community members made the event a resounding success.
The impact of Tech Blitz extended beyond the event itself, capturing media attention with CBS News coverage by Jennifer McLogan highlighting compelling personal stories from attendees. The news segment featured groundbreaking innovations like the Tatum Robotics T1 robotic hand and Bellman & Symfon’s signaling devices, demonstrating how these technologies are transforming daily life for individuals in the community. The coverage helped showcase Helen Keller Services’ commitment to advancing assistive technology solutions and fostering meaningful connections within the community.
DeafBlind Awareness Week 2024 – Diverse Journeys, Shared Aspirations
In June 2024, Helen Keller Services celebrated the 40th anniversary of DeafBlind Awareness Week with a powerful campaign highlighting the diverse journeys and shared aspirations of DeafBlind individuals. The campaign featured Kahlyn, a former HKNC participant, on our commemorative poster as a young graduate symbolizing the bright future ahead for DeafBlind individuals. The poster, which showcased how HKNC partners with DeafBlind individuals on their paths toward greater independence, meaningful employment, and personal milestones, resonated deeply with the community, being proudly displayed by organizations across the country and becoming the top Google search result for DeafBlind Awareness Week. This milestone celebration demonstrated our ongoing commitment to raising public awareness about individuals with combined hearing and vision loss, continuing a tradition that began with President Reagan’s proclamation in 1984.
Through the campaign website at HelenKeller.org/DBAW24, we provided valuable resources including information about DeafBlind culture and guidelines for respectful interactions with DeafBlind individuals. The initiative successfully engaged the community through social media using #DBAW24, helping to foster greater understanding and inclusivity while showcasing how HKNC’s personalized support and specialized training empower DeafBlind individuals to overcome barriers and embrace opportunities.
“Impact Day” – Deloitte’s National Day of Service at HKNC
In June 2024, Helen Keller National Center welcomed dozens of Deloitte professionals for their National Day of Service “Impact Day.” Volunteers worked alongside DeafBlind participants and staff to beautify our Sands Point campus, planting vibrant flowers, laying mulch throughout garden beds, weeding the grounds, and revitalizing the walking track used by participants. This collaborative effort was part of Deloitte’s broader initiative spanning 1,200 social impact projects across 100 US cities.
The event exemplified the power of teamwork and inclusion, as highlighted by HKNC’s Supervisor of Independent Living, Maricar Marquez, who is DeafBlind and communicates through tactile sign language. Her experience working with volunteers demonstrated how effective communication and collaboration can bridge all barriers. As Deloitte representative Brian Leibman noted, the day reflected their firm’s commitment to serving the community and supporting important missions like that of Helen Keller Services.
The Helen Keller Services 33rd Annual Golf Classic
The 33rd Annual Helen Keller Services Golf Classic marked another successful year, raising over $115,000 to support our essential programs and services. The event brought together our dedicated community of supporters for a day of friendly competition and meaningful engagement, demonstrating the continued strength of our partnerships and the generosity of our donors.
A truly memorable highlight of this year’s tournament was the participation of Alex Notte, a DeafBlind individual and former HKNC participant, whose presence on the course captured media attention from CBS News. Alex’s remarkable achievement exemplified the spirit of determination that Helen Keller Services champions, while showcasing the incredible potential of DeafBlind individuals when provided with proper support and opportunities. The inspiring CBS News coverage helped share Alex’s story and our mission with a broader audience, further amplifying the impact of this significant event.
HKNC Art Exhibit – Seeing Differently: Creativity Through Unique Perspectives
In August, Helen Keller National Center partnered with Port Washington’s Art Guild to present “Seeing Differently: Creativity Through Unique Perspectives,” a groundbreaking exhibit sponsored by Hearts PW that ran from July 17 to August 1, 2024. The showcase featured an inspiring collection of tactile art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media creations, all crafted by DeafBlind participants from HKNC. The exhibit invited visitors to experience art through touch, challenging traditional boundaries and offering a unique sensory journey that connected the DeafBlind community with the public in meaningful ways.
The opening reception drew notable attendees including Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte and Nassau County Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, who presented special certificates of recognition to each HKNC participant artist. As highlighted by Senior Art Instructor Antonia Isnardi, the exhibit demonstrated the power of creativity and expression in vocational rehabilitative training, while successfully breaking down barriers and fostering understanding through art. The exhibit’s impact was further amplified through Newsday’s coverage, which helped showcase the remarkable artistic talents of the DeafBlind community to an even broader audience across Long Island.
Empowering Youth: HKNC’s Summer Programs Expand
2024 marked a milestone year for our Summer Youth Vocational Program (SYVP) at Helen Keller National Center. DeafBlind transition-age youth gained invaluable paid work experience while building professional skills, confidence, and independence. Through partnerships with local businesses like Jersey Mike’s, participants engaged in real-world work environments, developing practical skills from food service to customer interactions.
Beyond vocational training, participants created professional portfolios, practiced interview skills with hiring managers, and developed crucial workplace competencies. The program’s holistic approach included independent living skills development and peer connections, enriched by cultural experiences in New York City.
Looking Ahead: Program Expansion in 2025
Building on this year’s success, we’re thrilled to announce the addition of two new summer initiatives: a College Bound Program and Braille Camp. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive support for DeafBlind youth as they prepare for higher education and independence
Adventures at Camp Helen Keller
Camp Helen Keller concluded another vibrant summer, providing children ages 4 to 15 who are blind or have low vision a variety of adapted activities to enhance self-esteem, confidence, and social skills. The season culminated in the annual end-of-summer show, where campers showcased their talents through heartwarming performances of song and dance alongside their peers and counselors. At Camp Helen Keller, campers discover their strengths, form lasting friendships, and build independence in a supportive environment.
Expanding on this success, this summer we introduced the Epic Excursions program. This weeklong adventure offered campers thrilling field trips, including visits to an equestrian center, a trampoline park, and rock wall and zip-lining experiences. Our campers eagerly embraced each new challenge as they faced unfamiliar situations with courage and enthusiasm.
Congratulations Camp Helen Keller on another successful summer!
Independent Living Kitchen Renovation Celebration
In September, The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) unveiled its newly renovated Independent Living kitchen, marking the occasion with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony and a unique NY bagel-making experience for DeafBlind participants. This state-of-the-art facility, featuring four fully adapted stations with accessibility features, is a vital component of HKNC’s Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program (CVRP), the only program of its kind in the United States dedicated to supporting DeafBlind individuals from across the country.
To celebrate the grand reopening, HKNC welcomed Sam “The Bagel Guy” Silverman from Bagelup and his partner Reva Castillenti, who led an engaging bagel-making workshop. DeafBlind participants had the opportunity to create authentic New York bagels from scratch, learning every step of the process through hands-on, tactile experiences. The event caught the eye of local media, with News12 Long Island airing extensive coverage on the day of the celebration and throughout the weekend. This spotlight showcased HKNC’s innovative approach to supporting DeafBlind individuals, bringing the center’s crucial mission to viewers across the region.
Read the full story and watch the news segment here, http://www.helenkeller.org/hknc-unveils-newly-renovated-independent-living-kitchen
Breaking Barriers: STEAM Professionals Share Their Path to Success
Our 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month webinar, “Full STEAM Ahead,” brought together distinguished blind and DeafBlind STEAM professionals who shared powerful insights about breaking barriers in technology and science. Through personal journeys and professional expertise, these industry leaders revealed how emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities in the workplace.
Our 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month webinar, “Full STEAM Ahead,” brought together distinguished blind and DeafBlind STEAM professionals who shared powerful insights about breaking barriers in technology and science. Through personal journeys and professional expertise, these industry leaders revealed how emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities in the workplace.
Innovators Leading the Way
Spatial Innovation: Chancey Fleet demonstrated groundbreaking approaches at NYPL’s Dimensions Lab, making complex information accessible through 3D printing and tactile graphics
Educational Access: Dr. Sara Coleman shared her 32-year journey transforming STEM education, bringing unique insights as a DeafBlind professional with Usher Syndrome
Digital Inclusion: Aaron Graham illustrated how his experience with Usher Syndrome type 3A influences his work as a Python developer, creating backend APIs that democratize data access
Accessibility Testing: Joe DiNero, as both Assistant Program Director at HKSB and Head Digital Accessibility Tester at UsableNet, showed how personal experience with vision loss drives innovation in digital accessibility assessment
Read the full story and watch the news segment here, http://www.helenkeller.org/hknc-unveils-newly-renovated-independent-living-kitchen
This inspiring discussion went beyond theory to provide practical strategies for workplace inclusion. Through their personal stories and professional achievements, our panelists demonstrated how determination, innovation, and emerging technologies are creating new pathways for success in STEAM fields. Their insights reinforce Helen Keller Services’ commitment to advancing employment opportunities through technology and advocacy.
Read the full article here: https://www.helenkeller.org/2024-hks-ndeam-webinar/
Accessibility Symposium & Awards: A Global Impact
The 2024 Virtual Accessibility Symposium & Awards marked a milestone in our mission to advance accessibility, reaching an audience of over 3,000 viewers worldwide. This groundbreaking event brought together industry leaders, technology experts, and advocates to explore how accessibility drives innovation, enhances customer experiences, and contributes to a more equitable society.
The event featured distinguished speakers including Sumaira Latif, Company Accessibility Leader at Procter & Gamble (Keynote); Beth Foor, Corporate Affairs at Kellanova; and Joe Strechay, Award-winning Producer and Consultant, Netflix’s “All the Light We Cannot See.”
A highlight of our symposium was the AccessAbility Awards ceremony, recognizing companies that have made exceptional strides in prioritizing accessibility across their products, services, and organizations. This year’s distinguished award recipients included United Airlines, Apple, LEGO, Meloway Makeup, Be My Eyes, Rival, and The Viscardi Center.
Through these industry leaders and award recipients, the symposium showcased the growing momentum behind accessibility as a driver of innovation and inclusive design. The event’s continued engagement through replays and sharing demonstrates the expanding impact of accessibility initiatives across industries.
Year-End Giving Guide
These highlights represent just a fraction of what we’ve accomplished together in 2024. Every achievement, every milestone, and every life changed is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. As we look ahead to 2025, we see even greater opportunities to expand our impact—from opening a second Children’s Learning Center location to growing our technology training programs nationwide.
Your continued partnership is crucial to turning these possibilities into realities. We invite you to explore the many ways you can support our mission and help create pathways to independence for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision
Below, you’ll find our comprehensive Year-End Giving Guide, featuring a variety of ways to support our mission. Whether through outright gifts, appreciated securities, planned giving, or donor-advised funds, your generosity makes a difference. We also welcome matching gifts, tribute donations, real property gifts, and support through payroll deduction or SEFA. Even everyday shopping can create impact through our Give When You Shop program. Each giving option includes detailed information and our disclosure statement to help you make informed decisions about your year-end giving. Your partnership enables us to break down barriers and create meaningful change in our community
Ways to Donate
Your gift to Helen Keller Services (HKS) makes it possible for us to empower people who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision or combined hearing and vision loss to live their best lives. There are many ways you can support the life-changing work that is happening at HKS.
Choose the way to donate that resonates with you.
Outright Gifts
Donate by mail, phone or online.
Send checks made payable to Helen Keller Services:
Helen Keller Services, Development Office, 141 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY 11050
Or call us at 516-833-8310
Appreciated Securities
Gifts of publicly traded stock enjoy special tax benefits. Please contact us for information.
Planned Giving
Help support Helen Keller Services today and tomorrow with Planned Giving either through:
Bequests: Leave a lasting legacy that benefits HKS by remembering us in your will.
Charitable Gift Annuities: Supplement your income with a guaranteed, fixed amount that is partially tax free. Establish a charitable gift annuity for HKS that pays you income annually. You will benefit from current and future savings on income taxes and establish a stable income for life.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): A QCD allows individuals who are age 70-1/2 or older to make deductible donations of up $100,000 total to one or more charities directly from their IRA instead of taking their required minimum distributions.
Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF) are one of the easiest and most tax-advantaged. When you contribute cash, securities or other assets to a DAF at a public charity fund, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. The fund then invests them for tax-free growth. You can direct donations, from your account, to virtually any IRS-qualified public charity.
Matching Gifts
Check with your employer. Many companies will match employee contributions. Send the form with your gift and we will process the corporate match on your behalf.
Tribute
Honor. Celebrate. Remember.
Make a gift in honor or in memory of someone special by choosing any of the donation methods previously listed. You can create a unique tribute to a friend, colleague or loved one, or to mark a special occasion.
Please provide us with your personalized tribute information when you donate online or donate by mail, and we will send an acknowledgment card to whomever you choose.
Real Property
Real property can be given as an outright gift or by bequest.
Payroll Deduction / SEFA
Employer Payroll Deduction
Many companies give employees the opportunity to direct a portion of their paychecks to the charities of their choice. Giving via payroll deduction eliminates the hassle of writing and mailing checks and enables you to spread your donations out over the course of the year, making budgeting and record-keeping easier for you. Ask your human resources representative about making gifts to HKS through payroll deduction.
State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA)
To designate HKS as a recipient in your State Employee Federated Appeal (SEFA), please enter 65-00144 on your campaign pledge form.
Give When You Shop
Every time you shop on Amazon.com or other participating vendors’ websites you can make a donation to HKS at no cost to you.
Access Amazon.com from our page, and 0.5 percent of the proceeds from your purchase will go to HKS, helping us to help people who are blind or have low vision.
Disclosure Statement
Financial and other information about Helen Keller Services’ purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by contacting the Development Department at 180 Livingston St., 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, 718-522-2122 and helenkeller.org, or for residents of the following states, as stated below. Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH39364. MARYLAND: For the cost of postage and copying, from the Secretary of State. Michigan: MICS No. 50132. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Helen Keller Services may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. New York: A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website at www.charitiesnys.com or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us at 180 Livingston St., 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. You may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or (212) 416-8401. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 807-2214 (outside of North Carolina). Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Helen Keller Services may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: From the Charities Program at 1-800-332-4483 or www.sos.wa.gov/charities. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF HELEN KELLER SERVICES BY THE STATE.
Updated 2022
Every gift of any amount helps unlock potential for blind, low vision, and DeafBlind individuals!