Service Area:7 counties in SE Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, and Lancaster)
Funding Sources: Grants and other donations
Eligibility: Verify deaf-blindness and be able to direct the services of an SSP
Number of Individuals Served: 20; but we also provide volunteer SSPs at social events for consumers not registered with the service.
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: None at this time
Types of Service Requests: each consumer can have up to 10 hours of SSP service each month and can use SSPs at their own discretion.
SSP Training Requirements: Each candidate is evaluated as to their knowledge and experience and must pass a functional evaluation of the basic skills of being an SSP.
Program Coordination: Consumers can contact the coordinator or SSPs directly for requests, and then report any agreed assignments to the coordinator. The SSP coordinator is a part-time, paid position.
Transportation: The SSP’s role is during the actual assignment, not the transportation. Consumers negotiate their own agreements for transportation with the SSP which can include their personal car or public transportation. DeafCAN cannot pay for driving due to insurance regulations.
SSP Pay Rate: Paid SSPs receive $30/hour. Mileage reimbursement for volunteer SSPs is $0.65/mile.
Other: This service is separate from the state’s DBLWS service. Consumers can and do use both services.
Funding Sources: Funding through the PA Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH)
Eligibility: Age 18 or older, have hearing AND vision loss, and must be able to self-direct services
Number of Participants Served: 64 (increasing weekly)
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: training provided by the PA ODHH is endorsed by the Helen Keller National Center
Types of Service Requests: DeafBlind consumers have 15 hours per month to use as they wish: errands, medical, recreation, hobbies, reading mail, paying bills, socializing, eating out, shopping, haircuts, almost anything!
Training Requirements: For DeafBlind Consumers: The Owner of Step Up Services will meet with you to discuss the program and your preferences. For SSPs: The SSP Coordinator will make sure all appropriate clearances and paperwork are on file. SSPs are required to attend an SSP Training provided by the PA ODHH which is endorsed by the Helen Keller National Center.
Program Coordination: Full-Time
Transportation: Yes, if requested and the SSP is willing/able. It is not a requirement of the program.
SSP Pay Rate: The hourly rate is $20/hour. Travel time and mileage reimbursement are not provided.