Mid-Atlantic
HKNC Regional Network
New Jersey, New York
Contact Info:
141 Middle Neck Road
Sands Point, NY 11050
Eleanor Coley-Brody (Regional Representative)
Voice/VP: 516-570-3634
ecoley-brody@helenkeller.org
Priscilla Acosta-Feliz (Administrative Assistant)
VP: 806-337-0023
Pacosta-feliz@helenkeller.org
Regional Representative Eleanor Coley-Brody
Our regional offices bring HKNC resources to you.
Your regional representative knows all about the programs and services that are available to DeafBlind individuals, their families and service providers in your state and beyond, and can help you find and access the ones that are right for you.
Whether you’re interested in learning about support services near your home, would like to take advantage of the technology available through the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program or want to explore the possibility of training at our national headquarters, your regional representative is your link to all that HKNC has to offer ─ consultation, advocacy, assessment, training, referrals and more.
Meet the representatives and specialists in your region.
Eleanor Coley-Brody
Regional Representative
Eleanor Coley-Brody joined the HKNC family in May 2016 as a Case Manager for four years. She subsequently worked as a Senior Independent Living instructor for a year during COVID-19, providing virtual training before becoming the Region 2 Regional Representative in February 2021.
Eleanor Coley-Brody is a deaf professional from Long Island, NY. In 2012, she earned her M.S.W. in Social Work from Gallaudet University with a specialization in School Social Work, and received a B.A. in Psychology and Women’s Studies from SUNY New Paltz in 2010. From 2012-2016, she was a Mental Health Therapist and provided counseling services to deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind youth and adults in the state of Minnesota before returning to Long Island. Upon returning to Long Island, Eleanor became a member of the HKNC team. As a Case Manager, Eleanor provided one-on-one support to DeafBlind consumers by collaborating with HKNC training staff, their families and vocational rehabilitation and other agencies. She is eager to provide support to the DeafBlind community, families and state partners in New York and New Jersey on a larger scale.
Dakota Prokop
DeafBlind Employment Specialist
Dakota Prokop is the new DeafBlind Employment Specialist in the Rochester, NY area for the Helen Keller National Center. Dakota was born in Rochester and grew up with Deaf parents. He has been immersed in Deaf culture throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Buffalo (UB) in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Public Policy Studies. During his time at UB, he tutored ASL and worked closely with the ASL department which helped him realize his goal to work within the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community. After returning to Rochester, Dakota worked at the Arc of Monroe at the Job Path Division, which led him to working for the Helen Keller National Center. He is excited to work with the DeafBlind Community by providing support to DeafBlind individuals in gaining successful employment.
Email: dprokop@helenkeller.org
Videophone: 585-358-0144
Local & Community Services
Are you interested in getting involved in the DeafBlind community in the Mid-Atlantic Region? Your regional representative can provide information about social gatherings, conferences, listservs and more. Check this space for announcements about upcoming events or contact your regional representative to request email notifications.
Learn more about New York’s Community Services Program (CSP)
Ask your regional representative about:
- The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
- Local services and referrals
- On-site assessment, consultation, and training
- Making connections with other individuals and families within the DeafBlind community
- Technical assistance and in-service training
- Plans for youth transitioning from educational programs to post-educational services
- Educational materials and presentations about the capabilities and preferences of people with combined vision and hearing loss
- Community Service Programs
- Youth Service Coordinators