Family Activities

All activities are for children with deafblindness and their families with the exception of the Moms’ Retreat. Many of these activities are planned and funded by the Minnesota DeafBlind Project and Deafblind Services of Minnesota. We encourage families to register with the Minnesota DeafBlind Project so they can experience all activities, resources, and assistance.

Please contact Brandy Sebera, Family Engagement Coordinator, with any questions. brandy.sebera@brightworksmn.org, 612-638-1505.

Family and Intervener Appreciation Picnic

This popular event is co-hosted annually with DeafBlind Services Minnesota on the first Saturday in June. Families and interveners (school and community) are invited to enjoy activities such as caricature artists, face painting, yard games, a free catered lunch, ice cream truck goodies, and more!

During the picnic, we also appreciate outstanding people who have done exemplary work to support DeafBlind children and youth and their families by recognizing them with our Shining Star Award!

Yard Games

A bucket of sidewalk chalk and an assortment of bubbles sit in the grass near a tree.

Caricature Drawings

A caricature artist drawing of four white women smiling at the camera.

Face and Body Painting

picture of the legs of a teenage boy sitting in his wheelchair. One leg has tiger stripes and teeth painted on it.

Ice Cream Truck

A red, white and blue ice cream truck is parked outside.

Gallery of Family Past Picnics

View pictures of previous years picnics.

Family Learning Community

Empowering Families Through DeafBlind Training

Learning that your child has a combined hearing and vision loss can feel overwhelming. You might have questions like, "Are there other families like ours?", "What resources and supports are available for us?", or "How will I help my child learn and communicate?"

The Minnesota DeafBlind Project is here to support and guide you as you navigate these questions. Join our virtual training series that meets monthly to learn and connect with other families. Meetings will include family-requested topics, guest speakers, and simple activities you can try at home. You'll also get access to a monthly self-paced learning module to help you understand more about deafblindness. We know how busy families are, so there is the option to join over lunch or in the evening.

Don't miss this opportunity to build community with other families and to learn from experts and each other! There is no cost for parents of children with combined hearing and vision loss (deafblindness) in Minnesota. Register at any time using the link below.

Empowering Families Through DeafBlind Training Virtual Meetings Registration (external site)

Winter Party

The MN DeafBlind Project and DeafBlind Services Minnesota co-host the family and intervener winter party in January each year. It is a great time to connect with others during our long winter stretch. The party includes lots of activities, such as a photo booth, sensory activities, crafts, and a hot cocoa bar.

Dallas and Intervener

a pre-teen white boy and a young white woman with dark hair are both wearing silly hats, smiling, and standing in front of a colorful backdrop.

Photo Snowmen

Image taken in a conference room. A standing board is covered in black paper and has twinkle lights around it. There are pictures of snowmen decorated by deafblind children/youth. An inflatable snowman is to the right.

Rice Sock Snowmen

A mug with hot cocoa, mini marshmallows, candy canes and a gingerbread cookie.

Hot Cocoa Bar

Two blue bowls sit on top of a black tablecloth. In one bowl is white rice and a scoop. In the second bowl are white socks and ponytail holders. There is a sign with instructions for creating Snowman Rice Socks.

Moms’ Retreat

This weekend retreat is planned intentionally for moms who have children with combined hearing and vision loss (deafblindness). We know the dedication it takes to care for your child(ren), and we are happy to offer this weekend for moms to be the ones getting taken care of. Moms connect with other moms, have time for conversations, learn about different topics from experts, and take time to relax and have fun! Our goal is for moms to leave encouraged and recharged!

Moms’ Retreat 2024

A group of 13 women are gathered together in a lobby smiling at the camera. These are moms who attended the MN DeafBlind Project Moms Retreat.