Funding
Sources: donations,
grants, state funded by providing contracted services with DHS - Department of
Human Services of Oklahoma and DRS – Department of Rehabilitation
Services.
Eligibility: DeafBlind, Deaf or Hard of hearing with
low-vision or blindness, blind or low-vision with hearing loss or deafness.
Types of
Service Requests: Errands,
Paperwork assistance, reading mail, checking voicemails, making phone calls,
social events, training events, workshops.
SSP
Training Requirements: Two-day
training for SSPs on how to interact with DeafBlind individuals, empathy,
assertiveness, safety, guiding, communication, and testing for appropriate
skill level in ASL. Need to provide the following: proof of personal
identification, valid vehicle insurance, background check, SSP service
agreement form signed, and a certification for an SSP ID. Community service of
20 hours within a year.
Consumers
receive a one-on-one consultation on do's and don'ts of how to use an SSP and
how to properly interact with a guide.
Program
Coordination: Part-time
Transportation: SSPs provide transportation to consumers
but if transportation is not wanted by the deaf-blind participant per their
consent, our program makes sure to communicate what transportation method the
consumer prefers and arrange for SSPs to meet them at the designated
areas.
SSP Pay
Rate: There are
three levels of SSP pay rates:
Level 1: $12/hour
– Beginner – complete or voice guiding, voiceover (must speak clearly),
describe environmental surroundings and no signing skills required.
Level 2: $15/hour
– Intermediate – complete or some guiding, fingerspelling, signing, describe
environmental surroundings, some voice over (must speak clearly), some tactile
(consumers may hold wrists to see or follow signing) and close-up range
signing. Level 3: $18/hour – Advanced –
complete guiding, full tactile sign language, fluency describing environmental
surroundings. We reimburse mileage at the federal reimbursement rate.
Other: The goal of S.H.E.P. is to work with the
DeafBlind, Deaf, or Hard of hearing with low vision or blindness, blind or low
vision with hearing loss or Deaf individuals to achieve full and rewarding
lives. S.H.E.P. believes in having a positive mind and attitude no
matter what life brings. Participants are encouraged to leave the program with
motivation and acceptance of their lives in making it a success. To
advance the quality of lives by: a) Empowering, b) Promoting Opportunities, c)
Building Confidence and d) Educating their Family and Community.