Funding Sources: (state agency) Department
of Rehabilitation Services with Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind;http://www.ct.gov/besb/site/default.asp and some grants and fundraising events
Eligibility: legally blind and
deaf, including low vision. New
additional group requested by BESB is work in progress: Blind and Hard of
Hearing
Number of Individuals
Served: 24
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: yes, training CEUs are provided if training is done
by the Helen Keller National Center and/or other certified trainers.
Types of Service Requests: Support Service
Providers (SSP), and deaf-blind services including monthly deaf-blind support
group with guest speakers
Training Requirements: Knowledge of ASL is preferred
but not required; be familiar in the area of deaf-blind services; and to
be able to work with hard of hearing deaf-blind consumers by using oral
communication or other modes of communication.
Program Coordination: full-time SSP program scheduler wh takes calls from
clients, SSPs and others, coordinates appointments with staff and others
Transportation: Transportation is provided by SSPs.
SSP Pay Rate: New SSPs
(#1099 employees are paid $22.50/hour depending on experience plus IRS mileage
rates. Veteran SSPs are paid more depending
on college degree or experience plus IRS mileage rates.