History

In 2022, the DeafBlind League of New Jersey celebrated 40 years of friendship, support and fellowship! We've come a long way since our inception in September 1982 at an American Association of the DeafBlind (AADB) national conference. At that time, Mr. Robert "Bob" Heller brought together a group of people who were deafblind, some family members and those interested in deafblindness (today we would refer to these dedicated people as SSPs) for a discussion and a vote to establish an organization in New Jersey. The new organization would hold monthly meetings for the purpose of bringing people together to socialize and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their communication needs, would be able to participate in their communities without hindrance or prejudice.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Bob whose inspiration became a reality. Thank you, Bob, for your faith in New Jersey's deafblind community and for establishing an organization where we could come together, enjoy each other's company, support each other and share ideas. Bob: You would be so proud that we are still going strong after 40 years. You are sorely missed but will never be forgotten. (Bob passed away in 1988.)