2007 Minnesota Statutes

256C.261 SERVICES FOR DEAF-BLIND PERSONS.
    (a) The commissioner of human services shall combine the existing biennial base level
funding for deaf-blind services into a single grant program. At least 35 percent of the total funding
is awarded for services and other supports to deaf-blind children and their families and at least 25
percent is awarded for services and other supports to deaf-blind adults.
    The commissioner shall award grants for the purposes of:
    (1) providing services and supports to individuals who are deaf-blind; and
    (2) developing and providing training to counties and the network of senior citizen service
providers. The purpose of the training grants is to teach counties how to use existing programs
that capture federal financial participation to meet the needs of eligible deaf-blind persons and
to build capacity of senior service programs to meet the needs of seniors with a dual sensory
hearing and vision loss.
    (b) The commissioner may make grants:
    (1) for services and training provided by organizations; and
    (2) to develop and administer consumer-directed services.
    (c) Any entity that is able to satisfy the grant criteria is eligible to receive a grant under
paragraph (a).
    (d) Deaf-blind service providers may, but are not required to, provide intervenor services as
part of the service package provided with grant funds under this section.
History: 2007 c 147 art 7 s 61