Program Established: Services began in 2010 under the Iris Network — Independence Without Fear (IWF). The University of Southern Maine assumed the program in 2019.
Funding Sources: Currently the program is unfunded. IWF used to have some funding via the Iris Network. Some items like gas are sometimes billable to the State of Maine.
Eligibility: People who identify as DeafBlind or having a dual sensory loss; who may use ASL or spoken English for communication.
Number of Individuals Served: There are five individuals who occasionally use the program. Often in conjunction with larger events such as Deaf Culture Festival, ASL Live, Timberfest with the practicum, not yet ready, and supervised mentoring courses along with field experience opportunities.
Preferred Terminology: SSP, CoNavigator, Access Provider – we allow the client to decide for themselves.
Certification/Endorsement: Yes, RID CEUs are available.
Types of Service Requests: The pandemic has reduced activity requests. The last two years, in the fall, there were requests to attend the Deaf Culture Festival with access to the ASL Live show. Prior to the pandemic, activities included travel, completing errands, appointments, attending events, etc.
Training Requirements: Students are trained by Regan Thibodeau in SSP/CN roles and duties. Training hours are at least three hours and then a buddy system is used for the first couple of activities for safety and then the providers are able to work with consumers independently. Refreshers are offered as needed, historically twice a year, and students are strongly encouraged to attend other DeafBlind-related training and retreats.
Program Coordination: Part-Time
Transportation: Yes, often SSPs will provide transportation if available. Other times, SSPs will meet the consumer at the location.
SSP/CN Rate of Pay: Providers are volunteers. Sometimes the DeafBlind person offers food or gas money, and if going to event, will cover cost of event fee.