Funding Sources: 2-year grant from the Virginia Board of People with Disabilities (VBPD), who receives federal funds.
Eligibility: deafblind, deaf low vision, priority for those with onset of vision-hearing loss prior to age 21
Number of Participants Served: adding 15 each year for total of 30 participants
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: The SSP online training curriculum requires course registration through Reynolds Community College (Henrico, VA). Participants successfully completing the course will earn college credit!
Types of Service Requests: Daily life/independent living activities, community and social events
Training Requirements: SSPs - 7-week online training including 3-day, in-person, weekend training; DeafBlind participants require 2-day weekend training
Program Coordination: Part-time
Transportation: No
SSP Pay Rate: SSPs are paid $20/hour and reimbursed mileage at $0.25/mile.
Other: This is a pilot project for 2-years and the grant will expire December 2024. VDDHH will seek a more permanent solution.
Also seeColumbia Lighthouse for the Blind in MD who serve Arlington County and the City of Alexandra, VA