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MN DeafBlind Project News

Spring 2023

MN DeafBlind Project News Spring 2023

Happy Spring!

Believe it or not, spring is finally here! The last time I shoveled snow, I heard birds chirping, so it must be true... thinking warm thoughts!


That also means we are on the last stretch of the school year. I hope that your child has had a great and successful school year! If your child is making a transition next year, I would love to connect with you. They may be transitioning from early childhood to kindergarten, moving case managers/classrooms, or even the transition out of the school system. We can work together to develop a person-centered plan for what a great transition would look like.


Please call, text, or email me to schedule a time to connect.


-Brandy

612-638-1505 (voice calls)

612-217-2211 (text only)

brandy.johanson.sebera@metroecsu.org

Winter Party Highlights Winter Party Highlights

We were happy to host (back to in-person) the Winter Party in collaboration with DeafBlind Services Minnesota in January! Families, children & youth and Interveners had an opportunity to connect with one another and enjoy fun winter themed activities!

A teenage girl is smiling at the camera and has a purple feather boa around her shoulders. Her hand is reaching towards the camera.
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Dressing up

Image of a colorful photo backdrop on the left and to the right is a rectangle table with photo props.
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Fun photo booth

A elementary aged girl is sitting in her wheelchair with a sensory bin of rice in front of her. On each side are two adults who are smiling and supporting her in this activity.
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Sensory activities

Picture of a young boy and his mother working together on a craft activity.
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Crafting Station

Teenage girl is sitting at a table looking at the camera and wearing glasses. She has a communication device sitting on the table in front of her.
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Fun activities and new friends

Table display with a variety of adapted toys and switches.
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DeafBlind Toy Lending Library

Family Learning Community Family Learning Community

Attention all families in Minnesota who have a child who is DeafBlind...

We are excited to share a virtual opportunity with you! Join us for monthly meetings designed for families in Minnesota to come together to meet and connect with other families who have children who are DeafBlind. Additionally, we will have interactive information and activities based on input from you!


Meetings will be held virtually on the 3rd Monday of each month with a lunchtime and evening option to join. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. OR 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.


Family Learning Community

Dates & Topics:


April 17th: Creating a Network of Resources & Support

May 15th: Virtual Game Night



To ensure all accessibility needs are met and that you always receive the most up-to-date meeting information, please complete the interest form below.

Complete this Family Learning Community Interest Form

Family Survey Results Family Survey Results

This heart is a compilation of words families used to describe their children. Incredible!!

Heart created by words provided by parents in blue. Unstoppable, joyful, smiles, curiosity, cute, snuggles, strength,

Family Survey 2023... Thank YOU!!!

Thank you to all who participated in our annual Family Feedback Survey. Your input, thoughts and feedback have been collected and summarized. This will help us to improve our work to support families going forward. Please check out the MNDBP Family Supports document below to see the top requested supports from families and how the MNDBP is working to meet your needs.
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Save the Dates

MN DeafBlind Project Upcoming Events


Family & Intervener Appreciation Picnic (in-person): This annual event is a fun time for families of children with combined hearing and vision loss to come together and enjoy a beautiful time together. There will be activities such as a caricature artist and face painting for the children/youth and time to visit and connect with other families. We can't wait to see you there!

June 3, 2023

Register here


Understanding DeafBlindness and the Role of the Intervener (virtual):

August 16, 2023

Register here


Mom's Retreat (in-person): postponed to Fall 2023

Image of a smiling boy wearing glasses and a black band across his forehead.
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Families Matter Stories

Each newsletter, I try to share a lived experience of either an individual with deafblindness or the family of a child/youth with deafblindness. This month, I want to highlight a collection of stories that is shared on the National Center for DeafBlindness website. Please enjoy hearing from other families in Family Matter Stories!

Share Your Story
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Future Family Spotlights

Our goal is to feature one child with deafblindness and their family in each newsletter. We have found that when families can hear similar joys and struggles that other families have gone through, it builds a sense of community and connection. It helps families to feel that they are not alone in this unique journey.


I will help you share your story in the way that works best for you; you can write or type the story up yourself, or we can do a phone call or video call, where I take notes and write it up. If you are open to sharing your story, please email brandy.johanson.sebera@metroecsu.org to get started!

Open Hands Library logo
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Open Hands Library

The Open Hands Library is the first digital library of its kind, providing access to language and literacy by collecting books and stories from deaf and ASL creators.


Through bilingual education, children have opportunities to bridge their knowledge, gained through sign language, to reading. There is a great range of books available in this digital resource.


You can use the Book tab at the top to search by topic. Here is a highlight of Spring books with ASL now available.

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Wilderness Inquiry

Wilderness Inquiry has partnered with local organizations to offer fun and accessible outdoor activities for individuals who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing.


"We are committed to making the outdoors accessible to all. When you travel with Wilderness Inquiry, you help fund outdoor education programs for youth, provide trip assistance for participants with differing abilities, and travel scholarships to bring families to the outdoors together."


Upcoming events:

  • Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing Day Camps
  • Deaf & Hard of Hearing Family Services: Family Weekend


Contact Riss Leitzki with any questions.

CVI Now, Perkins School for the Blind Logo
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CVI Now

Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is a brain-based visual impairment caused by damage to the visual pathways or visual processing areas of the brain—and it’s the leading cause of blindness in children. CVI-related vision problems impact up to 1 in 30 kids in mainstream classrooms. CVI is common in children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, and neurodevelopmental conditions. An individualized multisensory approach to learning and intervention, rooted in comprehensive assessment, empowers life-changing access.


Discover many more great resources and supports at: https://www.perkins.org/cvi-now/

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MN DeafBlind Project

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“Funding for this grant activity is made possible with a grant from MN Department of Education. The source of the funds is from federal award – CFDA 84.326T, Special Education - Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children who are DeafBlind.” The contents of this publication (film, workshop, conference, activity, etc.) do not necessarily represent the policy of the federal Department of Education or the state Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government.

MInnesota DeafBlind Project
mndbprojectinfo@metroecsu.org
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