Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, a division of Helen Keller Services, will hold a special anniversary brunch on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Sands Point headquarters to celebrate 50 years of service with and for individuals who are deaf-blind.
The event will feature honorary guest speakers who played a key role in the early growth of HKNC, culminating in the unveiling of the Helen Keller National Center Wall of Fame — a permanent installation paying tribute to five extraordinary people whose life work directly benefited deaf-blind individuals.
Each year additional figures will be added to the wall.
“The brunch will be the highpoint of what has been a terrific anniversary year,” said Hellen Keller Services President and CEO Joseph Bruno. “HKNC’s founding was a major milestone in the advancement of services and programs that help deaf-blind individuals live independent, rewarding lives. For 50 years, the Helen Keller National Center has stayed true to its mission while setting a remarkable standard for innovation and progress.”
According to Helen Keller National Center Executive Director Susan Ruzenski, the event will take its cue from HKNC’s 50th anniversary theme — Honoring the past. Changing the Future.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming back colleagues and former students who helped make HKNC a national presence and leader in vocational rehabilitation training for and with indiviudals who are deaf-blind,” said Ruzenski. “We have guests coming from around the country, including spouses and family of friends who are no longer with us. It will be a day of reflection but mainly a day of celebration. We have much to be grateful for as we look forward to the next 50 years.”
Honorary guests will include Martin Adler, former executive director of HKNC and former president of HKS; Joseph McNulty, former executive director of HKNC; and Michelle Smithdas, a former student and employee of HKNC, whose husband, Dr. Robert Smithdas, was one of its founders, a former director of HKNC’s community education department, and the first deaf-blind individual after Helen Keller to earn an undergraduate degree and the first deaf-blind person to receive a master’s degree. Smithdas was also a respected poet.
His lifetime friend, David Goldstein, created a new compilation of his work in a book titled, “My Song, My Delight,” which will be available at the celebration and which Michelle Smithdas will sign for guests.
The 50th anniversary brunch and program are open to the public. For information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.helenkeller.org/hknc or call HKNC Development Officer Marina Carroll at 516-833-8310.
