Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act of 2022

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1433, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Helen Keller National Center Act.

This center is unique. In fact, it is the only one of its kind. Since 1967, the center has helped individuals with combined vision and hearing loss by providing them, as well as their families and service providers, with specialized, intensive services to help them lead successful and independent lives. This includes, but isn't limited to, career and technical education.

Simply put, the center offers hope and dignity to those it serves. This center is on the forefront of research in developing new and innovative ways for those that are deaf-blind to live a full and independent life. The end goal is allowing those with combined vision and hearing loss to work and thrive in communities of their choice.

The Helen Keller National Center is living up to the legacy of its namesake. Helen Keller is the epitome of perseverance. She overcame every obstacle to lead a successful life that impacted the lives of so many.

She once wrote, ``A happy life consists not in the absence but in the mastery of hardships.'' There is so much we can learn from Helen Keller's commitment to serving others despite her own trials.

This bipartisan bill will ensure that the Helen Keller National Center continues to help deaf-blind youth and adults triumph over adversity, just as Helen Keller did more than 50 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and, in doing so, empower those who are deaf-blind to live full, successful, and independent lives. This bill will help ensure these students and adults have all the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of reauthorizing the Helen Keller National Center Act.

Helen Keller's story is an example of determination and hard work. Not only did she overcome her difficulties, but she worked tirelessly to better the lives of others. In doing so, she showed the world there were no boundaries. That is how the center looks at its work and those who it serves.

As a parent of a child with a disability, this issue is very near and dear to my heart, so I am glad to have this time today to share my thoughts and experiences. I know firsthand the importance of each child with a disability having every possible opportunity to succeed and thrive. Any parent of a child with any disability can tell you that their top priority is to provide the very best for their children's education and growth.

I will work tirelessly in and out of Congress for the disability community. This is one of many reasons why I support this bill. Today's bipartisan legislation will allow the center to continue its invaluable research and developmental programs in several areas, including communication techniques and teaching methods.

All of this leads to improved program offerings and, ultimately, better lives for deaf-blind Americans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1433.

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