The Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group

Our Purpose

The Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group (MSDBG) was created in April 2017 by four Speaking DeafBlind (SDB) Greater Minnesotans who desired a long-distance community. It was determined that non-signing DeafBlind individuals living outside of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan region were being underserved or left entirely unserved.

Addressing Combined Hearing and Vision Loss

The SDB “pioneers” recognized a critical need for localized services addressing simultaneous hearing and vision loss. They recognized that as individuals age, experiencing unaddressed vision and hearing loss puts them at an increased risk of acquiring dementia due to inactivity and isolation.

The Science of Health: Side Effects of Hearing Loss

Remaining socially active keeps our brain healthy. To learn more about the medical connections between hearing wellness, balance, and cognitive health, read the University Hospitals Article on the Surprising Side Effects of Hearing Loss (opens in a new tab).

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.

How MSDBG Achieves Our Mission

Participants are primarily referred to the Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group Host by professional service providers working with SDB clients, as well as by participating SDB peers.

Communication and Participation Requirements

To ensure independent participation within our network, members must meet the following baseline criteria:

  • Must be able to independently communicate using spoken English.
  • Must be able to hear over a standard telephone to participate in our MSDBG monthly teleconferences.
  • Must be able to hear within a communication-controlled group setting during retreats using independent assistive listening devices.
  • Must have an active email account to receive and share group resources.
  • Are highly encouraged to attend our bi-annual, in-person community retreats held in St. Cloud, MN.

Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group Retreats

A great time was had by all at our community retreat held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Photo: Described in the text below.

Back row, left to right: SSP Richard, SDB Rocky holding a white cane, SSP Grace, and SDB Hannah with guide dog Ledger. Front row, left to right: SDB Tammy with guide dog Makree, SDB Ade, SSP/DLV Tom, and SDB Suzanne.

Through a Minnesota State Grant, the MSDB Retreat is held bi-annually in St. Cloud, MN. This overnight retreat begins Saturday at noon and concludes Sunday at 3:00 PM. One-hour educational topics are presented with an emphasis toward fostering a better quality of life. Sessions cover mental health, adaptive technology, communication tactics, and essential state services tailored for Speaking DeafBlind Minnesotans.

The grant completely covers the cost of transportation, Support Service Providers (SSPs), lodging, and meals for our typical ten (10) SDB attendees.

Contacting the Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group

For inquiries, resource sharing, or meeting details, connect directly with our group host:

MSDBG Host: Adrienne (Ade) Haugen

Email: adrienne.haugen67@gmail.com

Phone (Voice/Text): 320-522-0987

Regional and State Partner Resources

Minnesota Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Services Division (opens in a new tab).

Minnesota State Services for the Blind Senior Programs (opens in a new tab).

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