As we look ahead to the exciting possibilities that 2025 brings, we want to share some highlights from our work in 2024.

On August 1, we changed our name to Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services. This change reflects the fact that deafblind services are an important part of our work. It also reflects that all of our services are available statewide.

This is a little longer than our previous name, and we will no longer use DHHSD for short. To refer to us, use our full name the first time you mention us: Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services. After that, please use State Services.

Updated Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services brochure

Updated Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services fact sheet

Grants

We surveyed people who are deafblind and those who provide deafblind services and supports to better understand current and future needs. Results showed that more funding is needed to improve access to direct services hours, maintain and increase the number of skilled professionals. We are using this information to request more funding from the legislature in future years.

For more information on grants, please see our Grants webpage.

Mental Health Program

The Mental Health Program is fully staffed with six Mental Health Specialists! In the last fiscal year, our mental health specialists dedicated 85.5% of their work hours to providing direct services.

The Mental Health Program also administers five grants for community-based mental health services. Find more information on our Grants webpage.

Minnesota Access to Communication Technology

The TED Program is now /deaf-hard-of-hearing/communication-access/mnact/index.jspMN ACT. This change reflects that people now use a variety of technologies to access phone communication.

This year MN ACT focused on outreach to vocational rehabilitation counselors, libraries and librarians, physical and speech therapists, occupational therapists, Home and Community based services, Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Linkage link and audiologists. We also developed a How to Apply video in English and American Sign Language.

Regional Services

We hosted the first /deaf-hard-of-hearing/hearing-loss/resource-fair/index.jspHearing Loss Resource Fair in St. Cloud. 

There were 26 booths and approximately 175 visitors. Attendees connected with providers serving people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing, got free hearing screenings, learned about technology, employment services, information on mentors and camps for children and their families and engaged with exhibits showcasing deafblind services and raising awareness. The Red Cross booth was popular, as they scheduled appointments for free accessible smoke detectors and shared information about getting involved in emergency response teams and blood drives.

Attendees shared: “I had no idea so many resources were available.” “I appreciated learning so much with no pushy sales people.” “I could hear in this space and it wasn’t so crowded like other expos. I wasn’t rushed and could take my time. They answered all my questions.”

Special guest speaker Dr. Pat Zook shared information about the importance of addressing hearing loss to reduce risk for dementia. Dr. Zook founded Central Minnesota Dementia Community Action Network (D-CAN).

Thanks to the St. Cloud Great River Regional Library for partnering with us to make this event a success!

Upcoming Hearing Loss Resource Fairs will take place in:

• Duluth on Thursday, February 13, 2025
• St. Paul on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Happy New Year from State Services!

If you have questions about our services or if you are interested in joining our Advisory Committee, please contact us.