Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) is pleased to announce the launch of NEXUS, a national initiative that brings together people, expertise, and resources to improve outcomes for DeafBlind youth with complex support needs.

HKNC has asked NFADB to bring parents of these youth to the table for this listening session. 

This initiative responds to a critical need: across vocational rehabilitation systems, schools, community programs, and adult service networks, the demand for specialized DeafBlind expertise continues to outpace the number of trained professionals available.

Families also need clear guidance, practical resources, and support as their children move from the education system into the adult service world.

Helen Keller National Center and the National Center on Deafblindness are partnering to strengthen capacity across educational and adult service systems through coordinated training, resources, and technical assistance for agencies supporting DeafBlind youth with complex learning and support needs and their families.

Building on HKNC’s DeafBlind Immersion Experience, which provides consultative training to one DeafBlind individual and their support team at a time, NEXUS will expand this impact by working with cross-agency teams to build local capacity, train staff, support families, sustain quality services, and establish communities of practice for professionals and families.

For more information about NEXUS, please contact your HKNC regional representative

or Deborah Harlin:

Deborah Harlin, Director NEXUS program

dharlin@helenkeller.org

phone/text: 516-760-0158