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Office of the Texas Governor, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
Recognizing the Deafblind Community During Deafblind Awareness Week

Every year, the third week of June is designated as Deafblind Awareness Week. This week aims to raise awareness and understanding about the critical issues faced by the deafblind community. It also commemorates Helen Keller, whose birthday is June 27, 1880. Keller was a remarkable advocate and educator, becoming the first deafblind person to earn a college degree in the United States in 1904. She significantly contributed to raising public awareness about individuals with combined hearing and vision loss.

To honor Deafblind Awareness Week, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Blind Children’s Program will host an art show and celebration from 10 a.m. to noon on June 26 at the North Austin Complex located at 4601 W. Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas.

At the event, presenters who are deafblind, along with parents of children who are deafblind, will share the challenges and triumphs related to combined vision and hearing loss. This interactive event is free and open to the public.

The celebration will feature several activities, including:


* A presentation and activities with deafblind mentors Heather Pavey and Erik Hammer
* A poetry reading and remarks from Blind Children’s Program deafblind participant Krishangi Shroff
* A panel discussion with parents of children who are deafblind
* A collection of art created by children who are deafblind and enrolled in Blind Children’s Program services

Additionally, this spring and summer, the HHSC Blind Children’s Program will provide hands-on opportunities for children and families. These opportunities will include a deafblind family camp, tactile art lessons, an adapted museum tour, and training in creating tactile mosaic creation.

To learn more about services available for children who are deafblind, please visit the HHSC Blind Children’s Program webpage [ [link removed] ].

In Governor Greg Abbott’s proclamation [ [link removed] ], he stated, “Though much progress has been made, our work is far from finished. Awareness, advocacy, and continued investment remain critical if we are to ensure that deafblind people can thrive.”



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