Bill Overview
Title: Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 the Helen Keller National Center for Youths and Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind.
Sponsors: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who are deaf-blind
Estimated Size: 50000
- The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) serves individuals who are deaf-blind.
- Deaf-blindness is a rare condition that impacts both hearing and vision, requiring specialized education and services.
- According to the National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB), approximately 45,000 to 50,000 people in the United States are deaf-blind to some degree.
- Globally, the World Federation of DeafBlind estimates that there are about 0.2% of the population with significant hearing and visual impairments.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on serving the deaf-blind population, which is a very small minority in the U.S.; therefore, the impact on the general population is minimal.
- The budget constraints restrict the policy's direct services to a limited number of individuals, likely prioritizing those with significant needs.
- Most individuals interviewed would be part of the deaf-blind community but should also include individuals from the general population who may interact with or support deaf-blind persons.
- The wellbeing scores reflect a combination of increased services, improved community support, and general societal changes over time.
- The policy's impact is likely to be high for those in the direct target group and negligible for others.
Simulated Interviews
Social Worker (New York City, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This reauthorization is crucial for continuing the services we rely on.
- It will help our organization develop more community programs
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've benefited from technology training at HKNC.
- Continued funding means I can keep improving my independence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Retired (Rural Iowa)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will ensure future support for my child as he transitions to adulthood.
- HKNC's programs are irreplaceable where we live.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
High School Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reauthorizing the act will likely improve the resources we can provide our students.
- It shows a commitment to the educational sector for deaf-blind kids.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Deaf-Blind Interpreter (Chicago, IL)
Age: 48 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Consistent funding will support my clients in achieving greater independence.
- This policy is a long-term investment in human capability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Researcher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Funding means more research opportunities and better innovations in our field.
- The policy promotes continued progress and learning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
College Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization ensures I can continue my education without interruption.
- HKNC has been a key part of my academic success.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
High School Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will help many of my friends have a better future.
- It shows that the government cares about all kinds of students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Lawyer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures legal support avenues for marginalized communities.
- Funding like this empowers the organizations I assist.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Artist (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital that creative programs and cultural initiatives receive support too.
- The legislation underscores our cultural contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $12360000 (Low: $10300000, High: $15450000)
Year 3: $12730000 (Low: $10550000, High: $15900000)
Year 5: $13440000 (Low: $11150000, High: $16850000)
Year 10: $15120000 (Low: $12550000, High: $18950000)
Year 100: $15120000 (Low: $12550000, High: $18950000)
Key Considerations
- The reauthorization ensures continued operation of a critical resource for individuals who are deaf-blind.
- Funding levels need to keep pace with inflation and any expanding services based on increased demand or population changes.
- A focus on maintaining specialized staff and facilities to deliver effective services is crucial.