Helen Keller Communication Day inspires deafblind New Zealanders
Friday 24 June 2011, 7:30AM
By Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind and Deafblind
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On Monday 27 June Helen Keller Communication Day will be observed around the world in honour of the renowned deafblind American author, political activist and advocate for deafblind people’s rights.
There are thought to be more than 1,500 New Zealanders whose deafblindness has a significant impact on their lives.
Phil Thorn, a 42 year old father of two, is one such person.
Mr Thorn became deafblind in 2008 after contracting Bacterial Meningitis and spending nearly a month in a coma.
He has learnt to use digital braille technology, and now writes his own blog and is studying health psychology through distance learning.
“Communication is a big thing for me,” says Mr Thorn.
“It is still hard to interact with my kids at times, but through technology life has become a lot easier.”
Mr Thorn says that despite his immense challenges, there are many dreams he wishes to pursue.
“I want to make the world a better, brighter place,” he says.
Deafblindness is a unique impairment that affects how people are able to communicate, get around the community and access information.
“Most deafblind people have some useful sight or hearing, although there are those like Helen Keller who are totally deaf and blind,” says Merv Cox, President of Deafblind (NZ) Inc.
Helen Keller (1880-1968) achieved an international following, raising awareness of deafblindness and forms of communication such as tactile signing.
“She made an immeasurable difference to deafblind people, which continues today,” says Teresa Bradfield, Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) Executive Director Direct Client Contact Services.
Ms Bradfield says that Helen Keller’s accomplishments continue to serve as a beacon of hope, courage and perseverance, particularly for those like Phil Thorn who are deafblind.
“Helen Keller has shown millions of people that disability need not limit life – that, with a little help, deafblind people can achieve to their full potential.”
The RNZFB and Deafblind (NZ) Inc are jointly commemorating Helen Keller Communication Day with events for their deafblind members in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.