Inspired by the legendary activist for the deaf-blind, Helen Keller, every year the last week of June is designated to provide awareness on the deaf-blind community. In 2010, The Helen Keller National Center is centering the focus of Deaf-Blind Awareness Week around Support Service Providers. SSPs are people who work with people who are deaf blind, specially trained to help them access their every day environment and make important life decisions.

Statistics show there are more than one million people in America today who are a combination of hearing and vision impaired, from newborns to the elderly.

If your community is currently not on board to help educate and provide awareness, the HKNC has materials on their official website designed to help you organize events.

Possible events in your community might focus on local deaf-blind people and exploring the amazing things they do in their every day life despite the challenges they face, as well as the SSPs who assist them.

You might also consider petitioning your local newspaper, library and school district to host events to educate the general public on deaf-blind awareness.

When I was a kid, one of the most inspirational stories I remember studying in elementary school was the life of Helen Keller. Those of us born with our sight and hearing rarely reflect on deaf-blindness, but why not take time out this week to think about how you might be able to help the deaf-blind in your community?