Helen Keller Services for the Blind

About

Since 1893, Helen Keller Services (HKS) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired or have combined hearing and vision loss. HKS is comprised of Helen Keller Services for the Blind, a regional division serving the New York City/Long Island area, and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, a national division headquartered in Sands Point, New York, with a network of regional offices that extends HKS’ reach across the United States. Our instructors provide personalized training and guidance to each individual. Our clients are true partners in the process, collaborating with staff to design training plans that are tailored to their needs and goals. Everything they learn through HKS has practical, real world applications. One-on-one coaching, cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning and the chance to interact with people who know firsthand the challenges of living with vision or combined vision and hearing loss—it’s all part of the HKS experience.

Services Provided

Employment

• Paid employment (e.g., competitive integrated employment)
• Work experience (e.g., volunteer, intern, apprentice, employment training programs)
• Skill development (e.g., technology, employability skills, pre-employment)
• Career development (e.g., career counseling, job club, mentor)
• On-the-job training and support (e.g., job coach, assistive technology, supported employment)
• Youth and adult employment programs

Independent/Community Living

• Housing/Residential services (e.g., apartment, low-income housing)
• Supported living (e.g., in-home assistance, group living)
• Daily living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting)
• Recreation (e.g., parks, sports centers, arts, summer camps)
• Home modifications (e.g., ramps, environmental control)
• Financial assistance (e.g., public assistance, financial literacy)
• Transportation (e.g., public transportation, driving instruction, vehicle modification)
• Food security (e.g., food pantries)

Healthcare

• Health specialists serving youth with disabilities (e.g., developmental pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral support)
• Mental health (e.g., crisis, clinics, social work)

Family Supports

• Support groups (e.g., parents, caregivers, peers)
• Educational resources for families
• Evaluations (e.g., psychological, neurological, assistive technology, developmental)
• Respite services

Education/Training

• Preschool/early childhood programs
• Higher education (e.g., community college, four-year college, inclusive higher ed)
• Certificate programs (e.g., food handling, welding, first aid/CPR)
• Adult education (e.g., reading, math, communication, GED)
• Vocational training programs
• Tutoring
• After-school programs
• School-age programs

Other Services

• Special education mediation (e.g., dispute resolution)
• Advocacy
• Assistive Technology

Supported Age Ranges

• Early childhood (0-5)
• School age (5-18)
• Young adult (18+)

Counties Served

• NASSAU
• SUFFOLK