Since 1989, the Minnesota Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing has been providing a full range of assessment and treatment services for deaf and hard of hearing persons. More than 1,668 Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons from throughout the United States and Canada have received help from the Program in their efforts toward recovery from alcohol and other drug problems.

In 1990, the Program also began to offer training sessions about substance abuse and deafness to community members and professionals. Materials focused on prevention, treatment and recovery were developed by the Program to address the need for materials especially designed for deaf and hard of hearing persons. The Program co-sponsored two national conferences which brought together professionals and community members to share information and network about important topics related to alcohol and other drugs. The Program has been the recipient of several Federal grants including three specifically geared to training. More than 1000 people have been trained by Program staff through these sessions. Program staff have trained professionals from a variety of disciplines including vocational rehabilitation, education, counseling, mental health and social work.