Funding Sources: State Appropriation in HI Department of Human Services/HI
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation executive budget.
Eligibility: Individual applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of
age, reside in the State of Hawaiʻi, have the decision-making skills related to
their SSP services, possess verification of Deaf-Blind status with support
documents (from a doctor, DOE, DVR, etc.) documenting both vision and hearing
loss, and agree to pay any incidental expenses, and/or activity expenses (i.e.,
parking meters, bus fare, entrance fees, and event tickets).
Number of Individuals Served: 15
Preferred Terminology: SSP/consumer
Certification/Endorsement: no certification/endorsements are provided at this time.
Types of Service Requests: Shopping, reading mail, making phone calls, independent living
assistance, and assistance at recreational and social events.
Activities include: appointments, community
involvement, legislative participation, meetings/events, errands, social
interactions, etc.
Training Requirements: Although no formal training or experience is required, prior
experience working with individuals who are Deaf-Blind, Deaf and/or Hard of
Hearing, or have a combination of vision and hearing loss is preferred.
Currently, the opportunity for formal training is under review by DVR.
Program Coordination: Department of Human Services/Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation/Knowledge Services.
Transportation: SSPs are allowed but are not required to drive consumers. SSPs
have the opportunity to receive $10.00 flat rate per assignment when using
personal vehicle.
SSP Rate of Pay: The program has a pay scale ranging from $30 to $45 an hour,
depending on the consumer's needs, the SSP's skills and the specific nature of
the assignment.
Other: Knowledge Services is the Managed Service Provider (MSP)
managing the Support Service Provider Program.