State Service for the Blind (SSB) is Minnesota’s vocational rehabilitation agency for individuals who are low vision, blind, or DeafBlind. Counselors serve students ages 14 and older to assist in preparing for employment by helping students build valuable skills that are needed for success in the workplace. SSB helps students explore their strengths and interests to help plan for a smooth transition from secondary education into higher education and/or employment. SSB is required to deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services to students ages 14-21 that include services in five areas: (1) job exploration counseling, (2) work-based learning experiences, (3) counseling on postsecondary education options, (4) workplace readiness training, and (5) instruction in self-advocacy.

SSB counselors work with individuals to determine which services they need to reach their job goal and write a plan together to help them reach that goal. Counselors who know about vision loss and understand workplace demands will help individuals choose which options are the best for them and an employment goal that is consistent with an individual’s strengths, priorities, resources, and informed choice.

Feel free to reach out to Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or 651-358-5205 with any questions.

Greetings from across Minnesota! I am the director of MN Hands and Voices, 34 years into my journey of parenting a child who is deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing (DHH). In my case, my son is Deaf. Those first few years were difficult. Information came from very few sources, and we felt very alone. When we did gather information, there was nobody around with similar experiences that we could compare notes with or share our innermost concerns with reflected empathy.

Hands & Voices celebrated 25 years of parent-to-parent support last year and are on the leading edge of sharing information that helps parents make informed decisions regarding the many facets of raising a child who is DHH. We can share information on better technology (both hearing and assistive), more and better ways to connect with each other, stronger case law to help parents advocate for free and appropriate public education (FAPE), and a better scientific understanding of how infants and children acquire language. Parenting any child is a challenge; parenting a child through unfamiliar territory can be daunting, but we are here to walk with you on this journey. Nothing compares to connecting with others who share lived experience. I am honored to be able to work with a compassionate and knowledgeable team who are here to give you the kind of support that would have been so nurturing to me at the beginning. Whether you want just the occasional check in, or more consistent connection, we will meet you where you are, and help you to realize the potential in your child.

- Anne Barlow, Director of MNHV

MN Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization providing families with the resources, networks, and information they need to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children.

For families with a child newly identified as deaf or hard of hearing, you may have many unanswered questions. And as you continue your journey, learning what works best for your family, you will continue to have questions.

Minnesota Hands & Voices provides information and resources that will address your questions and assist as you make important decisions.

Minnesota Hands and Voices (lssmn.org) for more information