Helen Keller Deaf-Blindness Awareness Week
Helen Keller Deaf-Blindness Awareness Week is observed from June 27 to July 3. On June 27, it is the 141st anniversary of Helen Keller’s birth. In 1984 Ronald Reagan wrote a proclamation declaring that starting with June 27 and continuing on for a week, every year was “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week”. This was declared because of inspiration that was given to many deaf-blind people by Helen Keller. It was also declared to continue to acknowledge the large impact that Helen Keller had on many peoples’ beliefs about the capabilities of deaf-blind people.
The theme this year for the week is, “Deaf Blind Employees Can Help Businesses Grow with Unique Insights and Perspectives.” This message was chosen because 2020 presented strides of improvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) wanted to make it known that disabled individuals have seen great benefits from this progress.
The HKNC recognizes that it is important to take care of your ears and your eyes to help prevent later life development of hearing loss or sight loss. Something that people may not always think about but can have great effect on your eyes is UV exposure. It is important to wear sunglasses with the most protection and schedule regular eye exams with an eye doctor. You should also take care of your ears and your ability to hear. You can help protect your ears by not playing your music really loud through your headphones and by using earplugs when you know you will be in louder than normal environments.
Overall, Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness week is celebrated to remember the life Helen Keller lived and the capabilities she showed all deaf-blind people that they were capable of having. It also serves as a reminder to care for your body in a way that allows it to continue be as physically healthy as possible.
