Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Helen Keller Services for the Blind is a 131-year-old U.S. nonprofit operating two divisions — HKNC (national DeafBlind services) and HKSB (New York metro blind/low-vision services) — delivering vocational rehabilitation, adaptive technology training, independent living, and employment programs at no cost to participants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1893
- HeadquartersBrooklyn, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Helen Keller Services for the Blind does
Helen Keller Services (HKS), founded in 1893 and headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization delivering rehabilitation, education, and support services to individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision, or have combined hearing and vision loss. The organization operates through two principal divisions: the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC), the only national program in the United States exclusively serving DeafBlind individuals, and Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB), which provides comprehensive programs throughout the New York metropolitan area spanning early intervention through senior services. HKNC delivers its flagship Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) at the Sands Point, NY campus and through 11 regional offices covering all 50 states and U.S. territories.
HKS's service portfolio covers the full lifecycle — Children's Learning Center (preschool) and Camp Helen Keller for children; Teen Tech and vocational services for transition-age youth; adaptive technology training, orientation and mobility, independent living, low vision clinical services, communications training (braille, tactile ASL, Protactile), audiology, mental health, and medical services for adults; and the Confident Living Program and senior services for adults 55+. The organization also runs the federally established National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP / ICanConnect), providing adaptive communications equipment at no cost to low-income DeafBlind individuals, and operates a Technology, Research and Innovation Center alongside the HKNC Learning Center for professional development.
Revenue mechanics are nonprofit in structure: services are delivered at no cost to eligible participants, with funding sourced from state Vocational Rehabilitation agency contracts (notably the NYS Commission for the Blind and California DOR), federal grants (NDBEDP via the FCC), and philanthropic donations. The organization accesses participants through regional representatives, VR referrals, direct inquiry, and a national registry of DeafBlind individuals; marketing spans a helenkeller.org web presence, social channels, the annual DeafBlind Awareness Week campaign, professional webinars, and community fundraising events. Workforce sits in the 251–500 range across administration, instruction, interpretation, residential, and field services, supported by two main campus locations (Sands Point, NY and Brooklyn, NY) plus regional HKSB offices in Nassau County and Suffolk County (Islandia).
Helen Keller Services for the Blind firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Helen Keller Services for the Blind
- Legal name
- Helen Keller Services
- Website
- https://helenkeller.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1893
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Helen Keller Services for the Blind is a 131-year-old U.S. nonprofit operating two divisions — HKNC (national DeafBlind services) and HKSB (New York metro blind/low-vision services) — delivering vocational rehabilitation, adaptive technology training, independent living, and employment programs at no cost to participants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Helen Keller Services for the Blind industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Disability Services
- NAICS
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Individual and Family Services (6241)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Special Education Alternative / Nonpublic Schools (NPS) & Placements (EDAKAAAF), Vision Impairment & Blind/Low-Vision Inclusive Childcare (HSAAAIAK)
Keywords
Where Helen Keller Services for the Blind is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brooklyn
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
Helen Keller Services for the Blind business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government Vocational Rehabilitation Funding: Vocational Rehabilitation funding is often available for eligible participants. HKNC collaborates with state VR agencies and the Commission for the Blind for funding participant services.
- Donations and Philanthropy: Generosity of donors, partners, and supporters makes essential work possible. Organization has philanthropic inquiry contact and donor engagement programs.
- National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP): Federal program established by FCC providing accessible distance communication equipment at no cost to low-income DeafBlind individuals. HKNC serves as national partner.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Free services for eligible individuals |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Helen Keller Services for the Blind product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Helen Keller Services delivers vocational rehabilitation, adaptive technology training, independent living, orientation and mobility, communications training, employment placement, and specialized residential and community-based programs for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision, or have combined hearing and vision loss. Services are organized under two divisions: Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), the only national program exclusively serving DeafBlind individuals via a Sands Point campus and 11 regional offices; and Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB), which delivers comprehensive programs across the New York metropolitan area from early intervention through senior years.
Product overview
Helen Keller Services operates two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC) and Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB). HKNC is the only national program exclusively serving DeafBlind individuals through a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation program at its Sands Point, NY campus and 11 regional offices covering all 50 states. HKSB provides comprehensive programs throughout the New York metropolitan area spanning early childhood through senior years. The core offering is the Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program (CVRP), supplemented by specialized services including Adaptive Technology Training, Communications Training, Independent Living Training, Low Vision Services, Medical and Mental Health Services, Orientation and Mobility Training, Vocational Training, Residential Services, and Virtual Services. Children's programs include the Children's Learning Center (Downtown Brooklyn with expansion to Long Island), Camp Helen Keller, and Teen Tech Program. The organization also offers the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (ICanConnect), professional development through the HKNC Learning Center, and community-based services through its regional network. HKNC maintains a national registry and provides summer youth programs for ages 16-24 and services for older adults 55+.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Helen Keller National Center (HKNC): The only national program exclusively serving individuals who are DeafBlind, providing comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services.
- Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB)
- ICanConnect (iCC)
Products and services
- Comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) HKNC's flagship intensive person-centered vocational rehabilitation program at the Sands Point, NY campus serving DeafBlind individuals nationally; delivers personalized instruction in adaptive technology, communication, orientation and mobility, independent living, and vocational services, with an average stay of approximately 6 months.
- Children's Learning Center Specialized preschool program in Downtown Brooklyn serving preschool children who are blind, have low vision, multiple disabilities, autism, or other pervasive developmental delays; expanding to Long Island (Islandia) with a new site expected to open Fall 2026.
- Camp Helen Keller Summer camp program on Long Island providing recreational and developmental activities for children with visual impairments.
- Teen Tech Program Technology-focused program for teens and young adults with visual impairments designed to build digital literacy and career readiness skills.
- National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) / ICanConnect Federal program established by the FCC providing free adaptive distance-communication equipment (cell phones, monitors, amplified telephones, screen readers, magnification software) and training to low-income DeafBlind individuals across the United States, with HKNC as the national partner.
- HKNC Professional Learning and Leadership Institute / Learning Center Online and in-person professional development courses for educators, service providers, families, and DeafBlind individuals covering haptics, deafblindness etiologies, communication access, and interpreter guidelines.
- Older Adult Services / Confident Living Program Nationwide consultation and Confident Living Programs held in spring and fall at the Sands Point headquarters for adults aged 55 and older with combined vision and hearing loss.
- Summer Youth Programs
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% pass rate achieved for 43 consecutive years at Red Cross School for the Blind (sister organization in Odisha, India)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Helen Keller Services for the Blind technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Helen Keller Services for the Blind partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- The Art GuildcorePartnership on 'Seeing Differently: A Tactile Art Experience' and 'Journey Through Touch: A Tactile Art Experience' exhibitions showcasing tactile art created by DeafBlind participants. The Art Guild hosted the exhibitions providing gallery space for participant artwork.
- ADARA: Professionals Networking for Excellence in Service Delivery with Individuals who are Deaf and Hard of HearingcoreNational partner organization in joint proclamation for DeafBlind Awareness Week 2026, reflecting shared commitment to expanding public understanding of DeafBlindness and promoting accessible communication
- American Association of the DeafBlind (AADB)coreNational partner organization in joint proclamation for DeafBlind Awareness Week 2026, representing the DeafBlind community and advocating for their rights and access
- CHARGE Syndrome FoundationcoreNational partner organization in joint proclamation for DeafBlind Awareness Week 2026, supporting individuals with CHARGE syndrome which often includes DeafBlindness
- National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB)coreNational partner organization in joint proclamation for DeafBlind Awareness Week 2026, providing technical assistance and information on deafblindness
- National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB)coreNational partner organization in joint proclamation for DeafBlind Awareness Week 2026, representing families of individuals who are DeafBlind
- Usher Syndrome CoalitioncoreNational partner organization in joint proclamation for DeafBlind Awareness Week 2026, supporting individuals with Usher syndrome which causes combined hearing and vision loss
- United Way of Long IslandcoreHelen Keller is a proud community partner of United Way of Long Island, collaborating on community initiatives and support services
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)coreEstablished the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) in 2012 to provide accessible communication equipment to low-income DeafBlind individuals
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Helen Keller Services for the Blind competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Lighthouse Guild: National nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, behavioral health, and vocational services for people with vision loss. Directly comparable to HKS for low vision, assistive technology training, and adaptive employment services.
- VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired: NYC-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation, vocational, and independent living services for people with vision loss. Closely comparable on metropolitan-area direct service delivery and vocational rehabilitation model.
- The Chicago Lighthouse: Regional nonprofit offering vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, and employment programs. Comparable on service mix and adaptive technology training, but anchored in Chicago metro rather than NY.
- The Carroll Center for the Blind: Nonprofit providing residential and community-based vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, and independent living services. Closely matches HKS's CVRP-style intensive training model.
Broad incumbents
- Perkins School for the Blind: Historic nonprofit serving blind and deafblind children and young adults with education, vocational, and transition services. Comparable on educational and transition-age youth programming, though broader and more K-12 focused.
- American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): National nonprofit focused on advocacy, research, and professional development for the blindness field. Comparable on national advocacy, IRPD-style professional training, and policy work supporting the same populations.
Emerging players
- Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Nonprofit delivering distance-education and self-paced learning for adults with vision loss. Comparable for scalable virtual/distance learning and assistive technology education, complementing HKS Virtual Services.
Regional players
- National Industries for the Blind (NIB) / AbilityOne: Nonprofit managing employment and contract opportunities for people who are blind. Comparable on employment placement outcomes and employer partnerships for the same workforce population.
Others
- Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (per state VR model): State vocational rehabilitation agency that co-funds training for eligible participants and is a primary payer for HKS services. Representative of the state VR system and Commission for the Blind agencies HKS partners with nationwide.
- DeafBlind International: International membership organization advancing services for DeafBlind individuals globally. Comparable as the global peer network for DeafBlind-specific services and professional development that complement HKNC's mission.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Helen Keller Services for the Blind social profiles
Digital presenceHelen Keller Services for the Blind financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Helen Keller Services for the Blind leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Helen Keller Services for the Blind subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Helen Keller Services for the Blind funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Helen Keller Services for the Blind M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Helen Keller Services for the Blind
What does Helen Keller Services for the Blind do?
Helen Keller Services delivers vocational rehabilitation, adaptive technology training, independent living, orientation and mobility, communications training, employment placement, and specialized residential and community-based programs for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision, or have combined hearing and vision loss. Services are organized under two divisions: Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), the only national program exclusively serving DeafBlind individuals via a Sands Point campus and 11 regional offices; and Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB), which delivers comprehensive programs across the New York metropolitan area from early intervention through senior years.
Is Helen Keller Services for the Blind a public or private company?
Helen Keller Services for the Blind is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Helen Keller Services for the Blind founded?
Helen Keller Services for the Blind was founded in 1893. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Helen Keller Services for the Blind based?
Helen Keller Services for the Blind is headquartered in Brooklyn, United States, in the North America region.
How does Helen Keller Services for the Blind make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Vocational Rehabilitation Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Philanthropy and national DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP).
Who are Helen Keller Services for the Blind's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Lighthouse Guild, VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Chicago Lighthouse and The Carroll Center for the Blind. Broad incumbents are Perkins School for the Blind and American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired is listed as an emerging player. National Industries for the Blind (NIB) / AbilityOne is listed as a regional player. Others are Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (per state VR model) and DeafBlind International.
Does Helen Keller Services for the Blind have an API?
No public API is recorded for Helen Keller Services for the Blind.
What industry is Helen Keller Services for the Blind in?
Helen Keller Services for the Blind's product category is Vocational Rehabilitation and Disability Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 624310 and its SIC code is 8300.