Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week - June 25 - July 1, 2023
This week is designated as Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week in observance of humanitarian Helen Keller’s birthday on June 27th. Keller, who is also deaf and blind, did a lot to improve the lives of her fellow deafblind.
Unbeknownst to many, a condition known as deaf-blindness refers to a combination of visual and aural abnormalities. Severe deafblindness is thought to affect over 15 million people worldwide. Therefore, this week is an opportunity for us to spread awareness of the condition and make the world more accommodating for deafblind people, in addition to remembering Kellen's accomplishments.
Sotera Digital Health believes in fostering inclusivity and raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. In line with this commitment, we are proud to support Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week. This annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary life of Helen Keller and the importance of empathy and understanding for those living with deaf-blindness.
Understanding Deaf-Blindness
Deaf blindness is a unique condition that affects individuals who experience significant hearing and vision loss simultaneously. It poses immense challenges to communication, education, and daily living.
According to the National Center on Deaf-Blindness, the total December 1, 2019 point-in-time deaf-blind “snapshot” count of 10,627 is an increase of 723 from the 2018 total of 9,904. The cumulative number of children served by state deaf-blind projects during the year increased from 11,081 to 11,335.
The age group distribution has remained relatively stable over the past five years:
- Birth through 2 – 571 (2015) to 658 (2019)
- 3 through 5 – 1,160 (2015) to 1,299 (2019)
- 6 through 17 – 6,277 (2015) to 6,757 (2019)
- 18 and older – 1,566 (2015) to 1,913 (2019)
Race/ethnicity and gender have also remained consistent. The percentage of the population identified as white decreased from 53.5% to 52.7% between 2015 and 2019. The percentage identified as black or African American rose slightly from 14.2% to 14.3%. The percentage identified as Latino or Hispanic decreased from 20.1% to 19.9%. Gender, over this time period, has been approximately 55% male and 45% female.
History of Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
On June 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared the week commencing June 24 to be "Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week" in honor of the American author and educator Helen Keller's birthday. The week highlights the potential contributions that deafblind people can make to society while also increasing public awareness of the challenges that come with being deafblind. The latter is best accomplished by encouraging independence, providing job possibilities, and taking steps to both treat and prevent deafblindness.
Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She lost both her sight and hearing at 19 months old due to an illness. On March 3, 1887, she started learning to communicate through fingerspelling with her teacher and lifelong and devoted companion, and teacher Anne Sullivan. In 1896, Keller attended the Cambridge School for Young Ladies. When her story became known, she began to meet influential people like Mark Twain, and they became friends. Twain introduced her to his friend Henry Huttleston Rogers who was so impressed with Keller’s talent and determination that he agreed to pay for her to attend Radcliffe College. Keller had mastered several methods of communication by this time, including touch-lip reading, Braille, speech, typing, and fingerspelling. In 1904, at 24, Keller graduated from Radcliffe College cum laude. She later became a well-known personality and lecturer, sharing her experiences with audiences and working on behalf of other people living with disabilities. In 1924, she became a member of the American Federation for the Blind and took part in numerous campaigns to raise awareness, money, and support for blind people.
Helen Keller is an example of how persistence and hard work can overcome adversity. Her accomplishments symbolize hope and courage for deafblind people. Keller suffered a series of strokes in 1961 and died in her sleep on June 1, 1968.
The Life and Legacy of Helen Keller
Helen Keller is an iconic figure who overcame tremendous obstacles and left an indelible mark on the world. Born in 1880, she lost her vision and hearing at the age of 19 months due to an illness. Despite her disabilities, Helen Keller became an accomplished author, political activist, and lecturer.
With the help of her teacher and lifelong companion, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate using a manual alphabet, touch, and braille. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to millions of people worldwide, proving that determination and perseverance can triumph over seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Getting Involved in Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
During this week, individuals and organizations around the world join forces to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of the deaf-blind community. It is an opportunity to educate the public about the unique experiences, abilities, and struggles faced by individuals who are deaf-blind. Here are a few ways to get involved:
Spread awareness
Use your social media platforms and online presence to share information about deaf-blindness and the accomplishments of individuals like Helen Keller. Use hashtags such as #DeafBlindAwarenessWeek and #HelenKeller to amplify the message.
Volunteer
Reach out to local organizations that support the deaf-blind community and inquire about volunteer opportunities. Your time and efforts can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.
Learn American Sign Language (ASL)
American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary mode of communication for many deaf individuals. By learning even a few basic signs, you can bridge communication gaps and enhance inclusivity.
Support relevant organizations
Consider donating to nonprofits and charities focused on supporting the deaf-blind community. These organizations provide essential services, resources, and advocacy to empower individuals with deaf-blindness.
Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week serves as a reminder that disabilities should not limit one's potential or opportunities. As a wireless vital sign monitor manufacturer, we are dedicated to advancing healthcare technology for the betterment of all patients, regardless of their abilities. By participating in Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, we can collectively strive for a world that embraces diversity, fosters empathy, and supports the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their sensory impairments. Join us in celebrating the indomitable spirit of Helen Keller and advocating for the needs of the deaf-blind community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society.