MEDIA ADVISORY

?

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

?

HHSC Recognizes Deafblind Awareness Week
with Art Show

AUSTIN - The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is celebrating national Deafblind Awareness Week from June 26 ? July 2 by showcasing art and poetry from the deafblind community.

The second annual HHSC Deafblind Awareness Week Art Show: Self-Expression and Independence Through Art opens Tuesday, June 27, at the HHSC North Austin Complex. The art show will feature a presentation and demonstration from George Stern, a deafblind writer, musician, chef and community activist; a poetry reading by Krishangi Shroff, who is also a participant in the HHSC Blind Children?s Vocational Discovery and Development Program; and other art and poetry created by deafblind children.

?This art show gives children who are deafblind the opportunity to showcase their creative skills and talents,? said Michelle Haproff, team leader for the Blind Children?s Vocational Discovery and Development Program. ?It also lets others see the amazing work these children can do when given the proper support and tools they need to succeed.?

The art show will be on display and open to the public from June 27 ? July 27. To register for the art show opening, visit the HHSC Deafblind Awareness Week Art Show: Self-Expression and Independence Through Art website.

In commemoration of Helen Keller and her contributions to the deafblind community, the Office of the Governor of Texas has declared June 25 ? July 1, 2023, as Helen Keller Deafblind Awareness Week.

WHAT: Opening of HHSC Deafblind Awareness Week Art Show: Self-Expression and Independence Through Art

WHEN: Tuesday, June 27, 2023

• 10 a.m. ? noon

WHERE: Texas HHSC
? ? ? ? ? ? ? North Austin Complex
? ? ? ? ? ? ? 4601 W. Guadalupe St.
? ? ? ? ? ? ? Austin, TX
? ? ? ? ? ? ? First Floor Lobby

About Deafblind Awareness Week Deafblind Awareness Week is observed every year during the last week in June to honor the birthday of Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing at just 19 months of age. After developing her own form of communication, she learned how to read five languages, graduated from college, wrote several books, and traveled the world. In 1964 she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation?s highest civilian honor.

About Deafblind Resources Texas HHSC Blind Children?s Vocational Discovery and Development Program specializes in addressing the needs of children who are blind or visually impaired, including children who are deafblind. HHSC provides skills training, parent education and case management to help children reach goals and become as independent as possible. For more information visit the HHSC website.

-30-