Held the last week of June, the observance honors the contributions of DeafBlind Texans and points families toward the resources and supports available across the state
Across Texas, people who are DeafBlind enrich our communities as students, employees, entrepreneurs, advocates, artists, family members, and community leaders. DeafBlind Awareness Week is a chance to celebrate those contributions, build understanding of what life as a DeafBlind person involves, and shine a light on the resources that help DeafBlind Texans live, learn, work, and take part fully in community life.
The observance falls during the last week of June each year, and it includes June 27 — the birthday of Helen Keller, one of the most recognized DeafBlind advocates in history. The week encourages greater understanding of DeafBlindness, a unique disability that combines varying degrees of hearing and vision loss and shapes how a person accesses information, communicates, and navigates the world.
The heart of the message is simple: with the right accommodations, assistive technology, communication supports, and community resources, people who are DeafBlind can participate fully in education, employment, and everyday life.
Support for Texans and Their Families
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission supports DeafBlind Texans through programs designed to promote independence, communication, and community participation. Those supports include specialized services for both children and adults who are DeafBlind, resources for families, and programs that help individuals build skills and access opportunities in their own communities. Families looking for help can find program details through HHSC, including its Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities services and vocational programs for blind and visually impaired children.
A Celebration in Austin
To mark the week, HHSC will host a DeafBlind Awareness Week Reception and Art Show at the North Austin Complex on June 24, celebrating the talents, creativity, and achievements of DeafBlind Texans. The event highlights the value of visibility and meaningful opportunities for DeafBlind individuals to share their experiences and accomplishments with the wider community.
In a proclamation marking the week, Gov. Greg Abbott encouraged all Texans to learn more about the DeafBlind community and the many contributions DeafBlind individuals make across the state.
Learn More
DeafBlind Awareness Week is observed during the last week of June, including June 27, Helen Keller’s birthday. The DeafBlind Awareness Week Reception and Art Show takes place June 24 at the North Austin Complex. To learn more about programs and services for DeafBlind Texans and their families — including services for children and adults — visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission at hhs.texas.gov.
