The Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing Minnesotans has 5 vacancies on the board (2 Seats for At-Large Members and 3 Seats for Regional Representatives). 

About the board

The Commission has 15 members (8 Regional Representatives & 7 At-Large Members). 

Each of the 8 Regional Representatives must be a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHSD) regional office advisory committee in their area. (Minnesota Statute 256C.24)

While the Commission and DHHSD can submit recommendations based on our needs, the Governor makes the final decision on who is appointed to the board. 

Who is on the board

At least 50% of the members must be deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. The statute also requires that parents of children who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing, and representatives of county and regional human services, including representatives of private service providers, are included on the board. (Minnesota Statute 256.C.28)

Diversity is important

In addition to what is required by statute, the Governor's Office and the Commission also consider:

• the racial, indigenous, ethnic, gender and cultural diversity of the state.
• representation of people who are D/deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing blind, hard of hearing and communication modes (ASL, spoken language, bilingual, Cued Speech, other modalities). 
• experts on the topics we are working on in our 5-year strategic plan. This includes education, employment, communications, and age-related hearing loss.

The selection of board members is not an easy process. We need to make sure all points of views are included at the table.

Board responsibilities

Board members must commit to attending four all-day Commission meetings each year (3rd Friday of January, May, September and November) and commit to attending 3-4 shorter business meetings as needed. During our November meeting, we hold a longer board and staff retreat.  We also convene work groups and committees to implement the board approved strategic plan.

Length of service

Terms are for three years.  Members may not serve more than two consecutive terms. 

How to apply

If you believe you are a good fit and bring an important area of expertise to the board, do apply! Go to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State's Boards and Commissions page, search for MNCDHH's open positions, and then complete the online application. 

Anyone may apply for the At-Large positions. To apply to be a Regional Representative, you must be a member of your region's DHHSD advisory committee. Contact a DHHSD regional office to learn more about their advisory committees.

MNCDHH is able to accomplish its work because of the board members and supporters in the community. Thank you for all that you do!

Original photo credit: Copper & Water