August 11, 2026 – Members of DHC’s Government Relations team traveled to Port Washington, New York, for a full day of strategic discussion and an in-depth tour of the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC). The visit offered our team a firsthand look at the Center’s campus and a deeper understanding of the comprehensive services HKNC provides to individuals who are DeafBlind across the country.

Throughout the day, our team had the opportunity to meet with and learn from several members of HKNC’s leadership, including CEO Sue Ruzenski, Executive Director John Filek, Chief of Programs Jeff Kunkel, and Associate Executive Director Elizabeth Meade. Their generosity with both time and expertise gave us valuable insight into the essential programs and support services that empower DeafBlind individuals to live independently, pursue meaningful careers, and engage fully with their communities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire team at the Helen Keller National Center for their warm hospitality, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering dedication to the DeafBlind community. Days like this reinforce the importance of on-the-ground engagement with the organizations and communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing to build on the relationships and knowledge gained during this visit.