Mission:
To help deafblind children and adults achieve their highest level of independence and live successfully in their communities.
Program Description:
Deafblind Services Minnesota is a private non-profit organization that serves children, youth, and adults with varying degrees of both vision loss and hearing loss. DBSM offers a comprehensive independent living skills program, residential living for clients who need housing, support services for children and youth, and support services for adults in the community.
The Independent Living Program provides skills and options for successful living with vision and hearing loss. Areas of instruction include: independent travel in the community, adaptive communication skills, food preparation, home management, organization and labeling, and money management.
Rental housing is available for a limited number of clients who qualify. The center has four private dorm rooms and five private apartments.
Services for children and youth include: American Sign Language Instruction for families. teen activities, and the Intervenor Program. Intervenors are trained aides who assist deaflbind young people and their families four to five hours a week.
Supprot services fo adults include: training and/or consultation for staff at group homes or agencies with deafblind clients and the Support Service Provider program. Support Service Providers (SSP) are trained aides who assist adults with a variety of tasks, such as grocery shopping, reading mail, and gaining access to community events and resources.
|
