New England
HKNC Regional Network
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Contact Info:
PO Box 1268
44 Lafayette Rd, North Hampton, NH 03862
Christine Telford (Regional Representative)
Voice: 516-242-0357
VP: 617-865-4509
ctelford@helenkeller.org
Amalia Davila (Administrative Assistant)
Mobile: 516-460-6702 (Text)
VP: 310-953-4740
adavila@helenkeller.org
Regional Representative Christine Telford
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.
Christine Telford
New England Regional Representative
Christine was the Region 1 DeafBlind Employment Specialist for Helen Keller National Center for the past two years. She specialized in job development and successfully placed several DeafBlind consumers in competitive integrated employment settings. Recently, Christine has taken on the new role of the Regional Representative for Region 1 for the Helen Keller National Center.
Christine Telford is an experienced DeafBlind Specialist, and Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist. She attended Towson University’s Deaf Studies Program, received a certificate in sign language interpreting from Community College of Baltimore City, and a Masters of Rehabilitation of the Blind from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has worked in the Developmental Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation field specializing in Deaf and DeafBlind services for over 12 years.
Her experience includes providing employment services to DeafBlind individuals directly, overseeing Support Service Provider Programs, and providing technical assistance to individuals who are DeafBlind and their families/support systems. In Maryland, while working as the DeafBlind Specialist at the Division of the Rehabilitation Services, she often worked closely with CRPs (community rehabilitation programs) providing hands on training to their staff. The primary focus of her role while in Maryland was the expansion of community resources for the DeafBlind. Additionally, she provided one-on-one employment services, developed a VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) focused SSP (Support Service Provider) program and case management services for the entire state.
Paula Tingley
Employment Training Specialist
Paula Tingley has over 18 years’ experience working with the Deaf and DeafBlind community as an Employment Training Specialist. Most of her experience has been working at Viability, a local CRP in Western Massachusetts. Paula was the Senior Employment Specialist for Viability and was responsible for managing the Deaf Services Program. She attended Holyoke Community College Deaf Studies Program, received a Degree in Deaf Studies.
Paula specializes in job placement and job retention. She has assisted hundreds of Deaf and DeafBlind consumers in securing competitive integrated employment in settings of their choice.
She is skilled at identifying and removing barriers to employment; setting up communication systems, linking consumers to community resources, and utilizing natural resources. Paula has a personal connection to working with individuals who have disabilities since she has a child with disabilities. She is a natural advocate and links consumer to community resources.
Local & Community Services
Are you interested in getting involved in the DeafBlind community in the New England 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.
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