North Central Region
Our Service Area
The North Central Region encompasses the following states:
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin
What We Do
Our regional offices bring HKNC resources to you. Your regional representative knows all about the programs and services that are available to deaf-blind individuals, their families and service providers in your state and beyond, and can help you find and access the ones that are right for you.
Whether you’re interested in learning about support services near your home, would like to take advantage of the technology available through the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program or want to explore the possibility of training at our national headquarters, your regional representative is your link to all that HKNC has to offer ─ consultation, advocacy, assessment, training, referrals and more.
Regional Representative
Ryan Odland joined the team of dedicated professionals at HKNC in 2019 and had previously served in several roles within the agency. Prior to HKNC, Ryan worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with Minnesota State Services for the Blind. At HKNC, Ryan held another position as a Coordinator of Adaptive Technology & Outreach coordinating the New York State iCanConnect Program under the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. In addition to North Central Region as a Regional Representative, Ryan also worked in the Rocky Mountain Region. Ryan, who is deaf-blind with Usher syndrome subtype 1, holds a bachelor degree in psychology from Rochester Institute of Technology and a master degree in special education from Gallaudet University. Ryan brings wealth of knowledge and firsthand perspective to the team on accessibility, community resources and vocational rehabilitation, He has advocated for deaf-blind awareness and program development at local, state and national levels.
Contact Information
Ryan Odland (Regional Representative)Email: ryan.odland@hknc.org
Maria Gelao (Administrative Assistant)Email: maria.gelao@hknc.org
2200 University Ave. W. Suite 240
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Voice: 516-320-0274, 516-566-7641 (Text Only)
VP: 612-999-2612
Local Events
Are you interested in getting involved in the deaf-blind community in the North Central Region? Your regional representative can provide information about social gatherings, conferences, listservs and more. Check this space for announcements about upcoming events or contact your regional representative to request email notifications.
Local Resources
You need answers about what’s out there for you, and HKNC has them.
Ask your regional representative about:
- The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
- Local services and referrals
- On-site assessment, consultation and training
- Making connections with other individuals and families within the deaf-blind community
- Technical assistance and in-service training
- Plans for youth transitioning from educational programs to post-educational services
- Educational materials and presentations about the capabilities and preferences of people with combined vision and hearing loss
If the services you need are not available in your area, you might want to consider exploring HKNC headquarters in New York as an option for assessment and training. Check out our FAQs and contact your regional representative for more information.