MN HF1983

Adds definition of "Family and community intervener" to Minnesota Statutes as a paraprofessional trained in deafblindness who works one-on-one with deafblind children to provide critical connections to people and their environment.

Requires the commissioner of human services to allocate at least 35 percent of deafblind services biennial base level grant funding for services and supports to children who are deafblind and their families, and at least 25 percent for adults who are deafblind.

Allows deafblind service providers to optionally provide intervener services as part of their service package using grant funds.

Specifies that family and community interveners must have training in deafblindness, language and communication skills development, and intervention strategies, and must open communication channels, facilitate skill development, and maintain trusting relationships with the child.

Restricts consumer-directed services to be provided entirely by grant-funded providers, prohibiting the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Division's regional service centers from providing any aspect of these programs.