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Communication Corner – July 17 is World Emoji Day

How many of us use emojis to communicate? Language comes in many forms and one of the most ancient types of language is visual symbols. Emojis are visual symbols that help enhance our written language. They can replace words or whole phrases and still be understood by many. Emojis were originally created

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Communication Corner – June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Did you know that two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia? There are 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. One of the signs is: New problems with words in speaking or writing This may include challenges with following or

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Communication Corner – Communication Breakdown

Did you know that 60% of caregivers of individuals with communication difficulties say that communication breakdowns make their role more challenging? May 1, 2025, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) published its 2025 ASHA National Survey of Caregivers: Insights and Experience conducted by YouGov. Here are some of the findings: 40% of those

Seated at the HKNC-branded table in the front row center is Tammie Christian (HKNC’s DBIE Coordinator), with Amy Brillinger (CEO of Shadowfax) on her right and Lea Sheffield (Special Populations Unit Manager with ODP) on her left. Standing behind them are Shadowfax staff members along with two representatives from Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP).

Helen Keller National Center Partners with Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs to Expand DeafBlind Immersion Experience Program

Helen Keller National Center partners with Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs to bring specialized DeafBlind support directly to local communities. This innovative five-day immersion program empowers support teams with personalized strategies, ensuring DeafBlind individuals with intellectual disabilities can achieve greater independence in their home environments. Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) announced a

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Communication Corner – April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

Parkinson’s Disease is a type of movement disorder that is chronic and progressive. It may affect the nerves and muscles that are used to develop speech. Here are some easy strategies to support communication: Be patient. Give them plenty of time to process Avoid speaking above other noises; try to eliminate distractions

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Communication Corner – February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Did you know that 4.2 million Americans, ages 40 and older, are visually impaired? Of these, 3 million have “low vision”. By 2030 this number is estimated to reach 7.2 million, with 5 million having low vision. (Source: National Eye Health Education Partnership) What is low vision? Low vision is when even

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Communication Corner – Communicating in Times of Stress

CommunicationFIRST* recently published a resource on communicating in times of stress. “In moments of intense stress—when speaking up and being heard may be more important than ever—some people may lose the ability to communicate in the ways they usually do.” Check out this resource at https://communicationfirst.org/communicating-in-times-of-stress/ *CommunicationFIRST is an organization dedicated to

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Communication Corner – December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month

Spend time with others who speak another language. Take a class. Download a free foreign language application. Pick up a book from the library about the language you are interested in. Happy Holidays! Felices Fiestas! Jiérì kuàilè! 节日快乐! Buone Vacanze! uṭalun saʿīdah! عطل سعيدة!  Happy Holidays in American Sign Langauge video link

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Communication Corner – November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes is a complex disease that is challenging to manage on a daily basis. Did you know that persons with an intellectual or developmental disability are estimated to be 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetes compared to the general population? Some tools for communicating about diabetes management may include: “Easy read”

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