|
|
|---|
|
HELEN KELLER DEAF-BLIND AWARENESS
WEEK
|
|
|
THIS IS THE "DEAF-BLIND AWARENESS WEEK" PAGE OF "INVOLVEMENT" As the result of a Presidential Proclamation in 1984, the week of June 27th (Helen Keller's birthday) has been designated Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. Every year, HKNC celebrates this anniversary with a campaign highlighting a particular aspect of deaf-blindness.
The theme for 2008 - the importance of technology in the lives of people who are deaf-blind. Before technology was available, there were few communication options for people who were deaf-blind. Choices were limited to fingerspelling, sign language, speech, Print on Palm, the Tellatouch (for those who used braille) and the Alphabet Glove, to name a few. For distance communication, those with low vision might use a TTY with large print display or braille readers might have a TTY with a braille printout. Technology was cumbersome, expensive and, largely, not portable.
Modern technology for tech savvy deaf-blind people includes computers with screen reading software, screen magnification software, closed circuit televisions and portable communication devices that mediate communication between deaf-blind braille readers and the sighted/hearing public. There are even ways to read global positioning systems via a laptop and a refreshable braille display! Technology is clearly opening doors and improving the quality of lives of many people who are deaf-blind.
CLICK HERE to see a copy of the 2008 Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week poster.
2008 Deaf-Blind Awareness Week Materials: Friend and Colleague Letter Proclamation Press Release Suggested Activities Public Service Announcement
To receive a hard copy of the 2008 Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week poster (size 11"x17"), to get a Deaf-Blind Awareness Week packet, or to be put on the mailing list, contact the Development Office: e-mail: development@hknc.org; phone: (516) 944-8900 Ext. 254; or write: Helen Keller National Center 141 Middle Neck Rd. Sands Point, NY 11050 Attn: Development Department
|