The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults on Wednesday presented the inaugural Dr. Robert J. Smithdas Award to Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington), Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) for their support of the deaf-blind community.
“These congressmen really bring around the issues affecting people who are deaf and deaf-blind,” said Sue Ruzenski, acting executive director of center.
The center, located at 141 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point, works with people who are deaf and deaf-blind to obtain employment skills, Ruzenski said.
“We seek to match them with a job experience with what brings them the most fulfillment,” she said. “We are connected with over 70 employers in the Long Island area.”
Ruzenski said the center serves “American citizens from all around the country.”
She said the center also has several regional offices across the country, where people can receive training.
Ruzenski said the work of the three congressmen honored last week has helped the center, which is funded by the federal government, continue to provide its services.
She said Yoder and Takano formed the “deaf caucus” several years ago to advocate for the rights of people who suffer from hearing and vision disabilities.
Ruzenski also said they have increased the number of deaf and deaf-blind people who work in government jobs.
Yoder and Tkano both said they were thankful for being recognized by the center.
“I am humbled by the honor, and look forward to raising awareness of the concerns of the deaf-blind community,” Yoder said.
“It is a privilege to represent this community and learning about the success stories from the Helen Keller National Center only strengthens my resolve to continue to work with my colleagues to ensure services for the deaf and deaf-blind are protected,” Tkano said.
Ruzenski said Israel joined the deaf caucus several years ago and has advocated for funding to the center, which is in his congressional district.
“I am proud to work with this outstanding organization. Their mission is inspiring, their members are passionate and their work truly changes lives,” Israel said. “I look forward to continuing my partnership with the [center] to raise awareness for the deaf and deaf-blind and improve the lives of this special community.”
Ruzenski said the award is named after Dr. Robert J. Smithdas, who is deaf-blind and worked with the center until his retirement in 2008.
Smithdas spent his career at the center, advocating for the rights of people who are deaf and deaf-blind.
He also worked as the center’s director of community education and has written three books on his life. Smithdas also travelled around the world appearing on television shows and delivering inspirational speeches about his life as a deaf-blind person.
He was the first deaf-blind person to receive a master’s degree, which he received at New York University.
“Dr. Robert J. Smithdas is being honored for his tireless advocacy and leadership influencing the development of services for individuals who are deaf-blind,” Ruzenski said.
