The Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group
OUR PURPOSE
The Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group was created in April 2017 by four Speaking DeafBlind, SDB, Greater Minnesotans who desired a long-distanced community. It was determined that the non-signing DeafBlind living outside of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan region were being underserved or unserved.
The SDB “pioneers” recognized an additional issue:
The SDB “pioneers” recognized the need for services that addressed both their hearing and vision loss. Also, it was recognized an additional issue, with age especially, individuals who are experiencing vision and hearing lossage at an increased risk of acquiring dementia due to inactivity and isolation.
The Science of Health
The Surprising Side Effects of Hearing Loss
Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group Retreat
A great time was had by all at out retreat held Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Left to right: in the back row are SSP Richard, SDB Rocky holding a white cane, SSP Grace, and SDB Hannah with guide dog “Ledger”. In the front row are SDB Tammy with guide dog “Makree”, SDB Ade, SSP/DLV Tom and SDB Suzanne.
THE MSDBG MISSION
The Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group is to foster community among DeafBlind individuals who live in Greater Minnesota, although we welcome members from the Twin Cities metropolitan area as well. This community is focused on participating in mentoring opportunities and sharing resources.
LEADER DOG GRADUATION— a very special group as only about 5% of each litter makes it to be a guide dog.
Left to right: Chelsea, Emily and Mary. Sitting in row of chairs with dogs positioned between the clients legs looking from your left to right are: Ade Haugen from MN with “Orbit” a black Lab, Gordan from OK with “Bruce” a yellow Lab, Dave from UT with “Oby” a black Lab and sibling of “Bruce”, Chelsea from CA with “Jasmine” a yellow Golden/Lab Cross and E’mon from CA with “Shadow” a black Golden/Lab Cross and sibling of “Jasmine”.
HOW IS THE MSDBG ACHIEVING ITS MISSION
Participants to the Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group are primarily referred to the MSDBG Host by professionals who are working with SDB clients and by participating SDB peers. Participants must be able to communicate in email, listen through a phone for MSDBG monthly teleconferences and be encouraged to attend at a bi-annual, in-person, retreat held in St. Cloud, MN.
COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to independently communicate with spoken English, to hear over a phone and hear in a communication controlled group retreat using independent assistive listening devices. Must have an email account to receive and to share resources.
MSDB RETREAT
Through a MN State Grant, the MSDB Retreat is held bi-annually in St. Cloud, MN. The one overnight retreat begins on Saturday noon and ends on Sunday at 3 PM. One-hour topics are presented with an emphasis toward a better quality of life which includes: mental health, technology, communication tactics, services and more for the needs of Speaking DeafBlind Minnesotans. The number of SDB attendees is usually ten (10). The grant pays for transportation, Service Support Provider (SSP), lodging and meals.
CONTACTING THE MINNESOTA SPEAKING DEAFBLIND GROUP
Directly to: Adrienne (Ade) Haugen, MSDBG Host
adrienne.haugen67@gmail.com / 320.522.0987 (Voice/Text)
Optional general contacts to:
MN Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Services Division
https://mn.gov/deaf-hard-of-hearing/about-us
MN State Services for the Blind / Seniors Program