Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc.

10/07/2026

As we continue to do outreach around the state, many agencies ask what we do at the Center. We often tell them that we are a training facility that helps DeafBlind adults work on skills that improve their quality of life and allow them to lead a life of independence and self-determination.

Here are a few pictures of staff working with Tommy last week. Tommy is a young man who we have been working with over the last year. Tommy is working on daily living skills, communication skills, and also learning some skills that are transferable to work, if and when Tommy seeks employment.

Here, staff are working with Tommy on his communication skills. We are able to use the new technology we secured with our Lowe's grant last year. This allows staff to do word association with Tommy. Additionally, Tommy works on things like folding laundry, cleaning, and setting the table. These are skills Tommy can use in everyday life but also can be used in a work setting.

In the last year, we have started to make progress in working with younger people. Historically, about 75% of our clients have been older adults. This makes sense. As we age, our vision and hearing changes. However, there are many young people currently served by the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project. We have worked closely with Jolene and her team at WDBTAP to start working with some people who are just entering into adulthood. Tommy is one of those young people that we have started working with.

It is important to note, the Center for Deaf-Blind Persons works with DeafBlind adults of all ages. We tailor the training to the needs of the person. This is done by doing an initial assessment to determine the needs of the individual. Then, that person and their care team signs off on the training and we get to work.

If you or someone you know is DeafBlind, and you would like to learn more about what we do, feel free to reach out at [email protected].

We also love giving tours. If you would like a tour of the Center, you can also reach out to [email protected]. Finally, we often have to remind people that we serve the entire state of Wisconsin. While people in the Milwaukee County area may come to our physical location, we also travel around the state and work directly with people in their homes. Last year, the Center served clients in 21 counties around the state of Wisconsin.

10/06/2026

ONE MONTH OUT!

We are a mere one month from Evolving Canvas 2 which will be held November 6th from 6-9pm.

We only have 19 tickets remaining!

We are still seeking sponsors.

We are still accepting donations for our silent auction.

For tickets, information on sponsorship, or to donate items for the silent auction, please contact Adrian at [email protected].

You don't want to miss it!

10/02/2026

Here is a sneak peak of some of the items that have been donated for the Evolving Canvas II silent auction.

We have a signed football from the Green Bay Packers. Coca Cola donated a signed Packer helmet. We have some items donated by the Milwaukee Bucks. Also, some clothing from 2 Blind Brothers.

In the coming weeks, we will highlight some of the items as well as recognize our sponsors.

The event is November 6th from 6pm-9pm and we will be at Beyond Vision who is our premiere sponsor!

We have sold 41 of 60 tickets. They are going fast! If you would like a ticket, they are $60 each or a table of 6 is $300.

We are still seeking sponsors as well as donations for our silent auction.

If you would like tickets, are interested in being a sponsor, or would like to donate something to our silent auction, you can contact Adrian at [email protected]

10/02/2026

Check this out! We work with Sid. He is such an impressive young man. He is headed to Washington D.C. to do some advocacy around the iCanConnect program. As you may know, the Center runs the iCC program for DeafBlind adults in Wisconsin. Proud of Sid and his work bringing attention to issues that impact the DeafBlind community.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/30/2026

The mid-term elections are rapidly approaching. The Center for Deaf-Blind Persons is part of a group of statewide agencies that meet regularly to discuss issues impacting those who are blind and visually impaired. This group is called "Vision Leaders." Vision Forward and Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired put together this toolkit to assist people who are blind and visually impaired with voting. Please take a moment and check it out. Also share it far and wide. Make sure to vote!

Your Voice, Your Vote: Understanding Your Rights and Voting Access as a Blind or Low Vision Voter Thank you for...

09/30/2026

I met recently with Rabbi Levi Stein who oversees the Friendship Circle. This is a group that focuses on mental health and su***de prevention. We are discussing partnering to bring together an event helping DeafBlind people avoid loneliness and isolation. Rabbi Stein let me know about an upcoming event called "One Thing I Wish You Knew." This event will be November 15th. Information is below. Last year, there were 500 participants and there will be ASL interpreters available. Please consider going to this event. Also, stay tuned as we work on putting together an event for the DeafBlind community.

Event description below:

Join us at our fourth annual "One Thing I Wish You Knew" community mental health event where four teens will share their vulnerabilities.

👋 Welcome to Friendship Circle's fourth annual One Thing I Wish You Knew community mental health event. Join us for an evening of heartfelt conversations and authentic connections. Four local teens will share their vulnerabilities and experiences with mental health and the challenges they face.

📊 Our 2025 event saw over 500 attendees, including 200 teens and nearly 300 adults, comprised of educators, mental and behavioral health professionals, nonprofit leaders, parents, and caregivers.

📍This in-person Ted talk style event will be held on Sunday, November 15th from 3pm-5pm at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee, WI.

Here is a link for the event:

Join us at our fourth annual "One Thing I Wish You Knew" community mental health event where four teens will share their vulnerabilities.

09/25/2026

Information on October W.I.S.H.

(With Impaired Sight and Hearing)

Fall Campfire Potluck!

Friday, October 9, 2026

10:00 AM until 2:00 PM

Center for Deaf-Blind Persons

8306 W. Lincoln Ave.

West Allis, WI 53219

Bring a dish to pass or pay:

Advance cost:

Members - $15.00

Guests - $20.00

Volunteers: Free

50/50 raffle! $2.00 per ticket or $10.00 for six tickets. Bring extra money to join in the fun and help WISH.

After the meeting there will be a fall craft project.

Lunch is potluck.

Deanne and Jan will be bringing desserts.

Coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water will be provided by WISH.

LET US KNOW WHAT DISH YOU ARE BRINGING.

Please let us know the ingredients or bring the recipe to avoid food allergies.

After lunch we will tell scary campfire stories, socialize, and enjoy a scary surprise.

YOU MUST CALL OR E-MAIL BY TUESDAY, October 6, 2026, to attend.

Call or E-Mail:

Phone: 414- 481-7477 Voice/ TTY

Email: [email protected]

Volunteers using their ASL skills are asked to wear a solid dark shirt.

Please remind your drivers or van service that pick-up time is 2:00 PM.

09/18/2026

Happy Friday Everyone!

We are less than TWO MONTHS away from Evolving Canvas II. It will be held November 6th, 2026 at Beyond Vision from 6-9pm. We are thrilled to have Ashley back as our artist this year. She did such a great job last year! Here is Ashley's bio. This snowman picture will be this year's painting. Evolving Canvas is a paint and sip with a twist. Throughout the evening, we introduce challenges to participants vision and hearing so people get a sense of what life is like living with combined vision and hearing loss. Participants last year shared that it was quite a learning experience! That being said, everyone had a blast. This year will be no different! We will have food, beverages, and a silent auction.

We have sold 50% of our tickets. They are moving fast! We are also still seeking sponsors and donations for our silent auction.

If you would like to take part in Evolving Canvas II, please reach out to Adrian at [email protected].

09/18/2026

Last Friday we held W.I.S.H. at the Center. This month's theme was "Sloppy Joes and a Movie." We watched the movie Homeward Bound and Jo Ann provided the food. Thank you Jo Ann. We had another special treat. Our Office Manager/Billing Specialist Jan won a visit from an ice cream truck at a fundraiser she recently attended. Jan was kind enough to donate the ice cream truck visit to W.I.S.H. for the movie event. Kubby's Kool Treats Ice Cream Truck came to the Center and everyone was able to enjoy some delicious ice cream treats thanks to Jan. Thank you Jan! Thank you to Kubby's Kool Treats for visiting us.