National Family Association for DeafBlind

11/05/2026

A mother describes the “invisible, complex reality” of the sandwich generation: struggling to care for both her daughter with multiple disabilities and her elderly father.

11/03/2026

The November 2026 issue of HKNC Connection: Newsletter & Regional Roundup is out in all eleven HKNC regions.

New this issue is the National Edition. It brings every regional roundup together with national news from Helen Keller National Center, in one place, on the web and by email.

Each regional edition comes from that region’s HKNC representative. It covers upcoming events, resources and news in your region and state, for professionals and agency partners as well as individuals who are DeafBlind and their families.

This issue covers DeafBlind Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House, which drew more than 100 people. It also covers Touch of Technology 2026 with Relay Indiana, which had more than 150 attendees, and artist Carol Saylor, nearly 90, on art and DeafBlindness. National news includes the Confident Living Program, the Summer Youth Vocational Program, and HKNC’s new national data summary from the 2024 American Community Survey.

Read the National Edition: https://www.helenkeller.org/regional-network/hknc-connection-national-edition-november-2026/

Subscribe to the National Edition or your regional edition: https://www.helenkeller.org/regional-network/hknc-connection-newsletter-archive/

Image description: A navy graphic with the HKNC Connection masthead and the words “November 2026 issue.” The headline reads “11 regional newsletters. One National Edition,” followed by “Upcoming events and news from your region, plus national updates from Helen Keller National Center.” Eleven circles numbered for each HKNC region, 1 through 10 including 4A and 4B, connect down into a single white label reading “The National Edition.” Below it: “Subscribe to your regional newsletter, the National Edition, or both.” A white band at the bottom holds the Helen Keller National Center logo and helenkeller.org.

10/01/2026

It’s time to start getting ready for 2027! 🤟

Our FATE Forward DeafBlind advocacy workshop mini-series begins October 6, and this is your last call to enroll.

Whether you’re planning to join us for Day on the Hill in person, on Zoom, or you haven’t decided yet, we’d love to have you join us! These workshops are created by families, for families, and they’re designed to take the stress out of advocacy. You just need to bring your lived experience and life stories - we’ll help you connect it to real policy change.

Here’s what’s coming up, all on Zoom!

📅 Oct 6, 2026: Advocacy 101
📅 Oct 20, 2026: Power of Your Story (with writing workshops)
📅 Jan 26, 2027: DeafBlind Policy Now! (Day on the Hill prep)

💵 FATE Forward is free for NFADB members and $25 for nonmembers.

Experienced families will be there to support you along the way. Your voice is powerful and needed! We hope to see you there - register now: https://www.nfadb.org/event-6741009

09/27/2026

Taka spotted his WHY on the course. 💛

140.6 miles for DeafBlind awareness.
140.6 miles for families across the country.

Taka did the miles. Now help us finish what he started.

Donate at NFADB.org

We’re still chasing our $32,000 goal for NFADB's 32 years supporting families. If this photo moves you, please donate and help carry this mission beyond the finish line. 💛

Every mile had a purpose. Every dollar does, too.

09/27/2026

Thank you for the love, Maryland and DC Deafblind Project !!!! It's not too late to help the IRONMAN reach his fundraising goal for NFADB! Go to www.NFADB.org to donate!

Today’s the day! 💛

Today, Taka Elkins takes on IRONMAN Chattanooga—2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running.

But for Taka, this journey is about more than crossing a finish line. As the father of a child who is deafblind, he is using this incredible challenge to raise awareness of deafblindness and support the National Family Association for DeafBlind (NFADB).

Taka, the Connections Beyond Sight & Sound community is cheering you on today! 💛

Every mile. Every step. Every moment.

GO TAKA! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

09/27/2026

The support and love our IRONMAN fundraiser has received is incredible! Keep it coming... We need to get to that finish line and the fundraising goal! Donate at www.NFADB.org !

09/25/2026

Our NFADB IRONMAN is officially "checked in"! There's no turning back now! As the start time nears, let's get him to his fundraising goal! Watch his story and donate at NFADB.org or click the link in our bio.

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Images description:

Photo 1: A man wearing a hat and backpack is pointing to his name, Taka Elkins, on the wall of athletes competing at the IRONMAN race.

Photo 2: The same man is standing at a table as he signs papers while checking in for the race. Two volunteers wearing bright yellow shirts assist him.

Photo 3: pictured are Taka's bib number 226, which he will wear during the race.

09/24/2026

The IRONMAN race is almost here and the goal is within reach! Let’s get NFADB - and Taka - across that finish line. 👏 Donate at www.nfadb.org and watch Taka’s powerful family story!

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Image Description: A bright yellow graphic with a fundraising thermometer filled to 70%, marked “WE’RE HERE.” Large text reads “70% to goal!” Header: “Beyond the Finish Line: An IRONMAN for DeafBlind Awareness.” Text Below: “Every donation strengthens NFADB’s ability to support DeafBlind families nationwide!” NFADB logo in the top corner; NFADB.ORG at the bottom.

09/16/2026

Leo wants to make sure EVERYONE knows: YOU could win this hat!

And this isn’t just any hat.

It’s the hat his dad, Taka, will be wearing when he takes on the IRONMAN race on September 27th on behalf of DeafBlind families across the country.... and there is only ONE other one made.

That one could be yours. 💛

TO ENTER:
Visit www.nfadb.org to learn why Taka is taking on 140.6 miles of swimming, biking, and running, then make a donation to Taka’s fundraiser for NFADB.

Then help us spread the word! Share this post with family and friends, tag someone who might want a chance to win, or send it to the runner or athlete in your life.

Each action will get your name "in the hat" for the drawing on September 20! We will mail it to you just in time to cheer Taka on for the big race!

And for our athletes, this isn’t just a keepsake. It’s built to perform: ultra-light fabric, laser-cut ventilation, moisture-wicking comfort, water-repellent technology, and UPF 50+ sun protection.

Every mile. Every family. Every dollar moves NFADB's mission forward! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

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Video description: Happy boy wearing hearing aids, glasses and a yellow hat with NFADB logo points to the hat and says "Win this hat!" with his words appearing on the screen. The video ends with a close up photo of the hat and the words: Visit NFADB.org to learn more, donate, and you could win this hat!

08/30/2026

Training for 140.6 miles doesn't always go according to plan. A roadblock for our IRONMAN today meant adjusting the plan - but not the ultimate goal! 🏊🏼‍♀️🚴🏼‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️

Taka is a dad who is doing this for DeafBlind individuals and families across the country, like his own! Help us get behind him and make those miles count!

Go to www.NFADB.org to learn about our fundraiser, donate, and carry this mission to the finish line! 💛🤟🏼

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Image description: Taka checks in during an outdoor training session on a bright, sunny day. Wearing a neon yellow running cap, reflective sunglasses, and a red-and-navy biking jersey, he moves along a road surrounded by green fields as he speaks. He shares an update after hitting a roadblock in his IRONMAN training, explaining how he adjusted his plan and kept moving forward.

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