Funding Sources: donations, state funded by providing contracted services with DHS - Department of Human Services of Oklahoma.
Eligibility: Must be Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing or Blind, Low Vision.
Number of Consumers Served: 50
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: A certificate of training completion and CEUs are provided
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: $15/hour – Beginner – complete or voice guiding, voiceover (must speak clearly), describe environmental surroundings and no signing skills required.
.; Level 2: $16/hour – Intermediate – some guiding, fingerspelling signing, describe environmental surrounding, 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, hard of hearing and Blind or low vision 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.