Funding Sources: two-year grant of $110,000 from the NE Commission
f/t Blind & Visually Impaired and $10,000 grant from the Friends of NCBVI
to establish an SSP pilot program in the Omaha metro. NCBVI extended the program funding for a
third year. Permanent program funding is
being sought from the Nebraska State Legislature.
Eligibility: Service recipients must have varying levels of
combined vision and hearing loss: 1)
Vision - vision acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective
lenses, or a field loss such that the peripheral diameter of visual field
subtends an angular distance of no greater than 20 degrees, or progressive
visual loss with a prognosis leading to one or both of the above conditions;
and 2) Hearing - chronic hearing disabilities so severe that most speech cannot
be understood with optimum amplification, or progressive hearing loss having a
prognosis leading to the above condition; the confirmation of vision and
hearing loss must be provided in writing from a professional. In addition, the DeafBlind participant must
have the capacity in giving instructions and making decisions independently
when utilizing SSP services. DeafBlind participants must provide a Nebraska
photo ID, which will prove if they have been a Nebraska resident for at least
one year and are age 14 years or older - anyone under the age of 18 will
require parental consent to use SSP services.
Number of Participants
Served: up to 25 participants
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: RID CEUs are offered for initial SSP training. Vancro is willing to work with other
professional organizations to procure CEUs based on participant interest.
Types of Service Requests: To run errands, attend events, attend appointments,
read mail, assist with in-house tasks like setting up computers access and
online shopping.
Training Requirements: 2-day training
Program Coordination: part-time
SSP Pay Rate:
As of 2026, SSPs are paid $20/hour. The program pays mileage and travel time.
Transportation: SSPs are allowed to drive; public
transportation.