Service Area: Georgia Statewide – only if currently served by VR
Program Established: 2015
Funding Sources: GVRA state
funded for clients of VR working toward their vocational rehabilitation goals.
Eligibility: VR clients with
dual sensory loss
Number of Individuals
Served: ~ 25 people per year. GCDHH
recently revised its contract with GA VR to offer SSP services for Georgia VR
clients only. There are no SSP services
available for non-VR DeafBlind clients at this time.
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: Trainings are
offered by regional DeafBlind organizations.
Types of Service
Requests: job interviews, on the job training, work experiences, informational
interviews, job development
Training Requirements: SSPs must be
certified in Georgia through one of the DeafBlind organizations that provides
training. GCDHH has their process of
screening and contracting with SSPs and new applicants go through the usual
state of Georgia background check process.
Program Coordination: As needed
Transportation: SSPs can provide
transportation, facilitate communication at training or worksite, etc. If the SSP is deaf, they will use an
interpreter along with the SSP as needed.
SSP Pay Rate: The SSP and travel time rate is $25/hour plus
mileage based on the IRS mileage rate.