Program Established: 2001 by RCIL (Regional Center for Independent Living); transitioned over in 2007 to the Center for Disability Rights, Inc.
Funding Sources: Currently using Independent Living funds and hoping to utilize the profits from our new interpreting agency to fund the SSP program. We are also looking into permanent state/federal funding and accepting private donations.
Eligibility: Individuals with documented hearing and vision loss, age 18 and older
Number of Individuals Served: 22
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: None at this time
Types of Service Requests: grocery shopping, medical/legal appointments, and social events; community-based meetings
Training Requirements: 1-1 instruction and peer mentoring are provided by SSP personnel and DeafBlind consumers who utilize SSP services.
Program Coordination: One month of pre-time to arrange scheduling and SSP assignments for DeafBlind consumers.
Transportation: SSPs provide transportation to consumers.
SSP Pay Rate: The SSP rate is $15.14/hour and mileage reimbursement is $0.67/mile.
Other: The mission is to assist people who are DeafBlind to lead fully independent lives. We continue to do outreach in hopes to increase more DeafBlind individuals utilizing SSP services in Monroe County.
Service Area: HKNC – employees and program participants
Program Established: November 2022
Funding Sources: HKNC general budget
Eligibility: in-person program participants, HKNC employees and visitors
Number of Consumers Served: 15+ DeafBlind individuals
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: SSPs receive a certificate of completion after both trainings are finished.
Types of Service Requests: SSP is offered for staff for work-related activities. SSP is offered to program participants for both employment-related needs and recreational needs.
Training Requirements: SSPs and participants will be required to complete trainings. The SSP training is online, self-paced, completed in two weeks and in-person two-day training. Participant training will depend on their experiences.
Program Coordination: Full-time
Transportation: SSPs are allowed to drive agency vehicles with Motor Vehicle background check completed. SSPs may choose to use their personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement.
SSP Pay Rate: SSPs are paid $25/hour with mileage reimbursement. SSPs may use their own personal cars.