Program Established: Services
began in 2010 under the Iris Network — Independence Without Fear (IWF). The University of Southern Maine assumed the
program in 2019.
Funding Sources: Currently the
program is unfunded. IWF used to have
some funding via the Iris Network. Some
items like gas are sometimes billable to the State of Maine.
Eligibility: People who
identify as DeafBlind or having a dual sensory loss; who may use ASL or spoken
English for communication.
Number of Individuals
Served: There are five individuals
who occasionally use the program. Often
in conjunction with larger events such as Deaf Culture Festival, ASL Live,
Timberfest with the practicum, not yet ready, and supervised mentoring courses
along with field experience opportunities.
Preferred Terminology: SSP,
CoNavigator, Access Provider – we allow the client to decide for themselves.
Certification/Endorsement: Yes, RID CEUs are available.
Types of Service Requests: The pandemic has reduced activity requests. The last
two years, in the fall, there were requests to attend the Deaf Culture Festival
with access to the ASL Live show. Prior
to the pandemic, activities included travel, completing errands, appointments,
attending events, etc.
Training Requirements: Students are trained by Regan Thibodeau in SSP/CN
roles and duties. Training hours are at
least three hours and then a buddy system is used for the first couple of
activities for safety and then the providers are able to work with consumers
independently. Refreshers are offered as
needed, historically twice a year, and students are strongly encouraged to
attend other DeafBlind-related training and retreats.
Program Coordination: Part-Time
Transportation: Yes, often SSPs provide transportation if
available. Other times, SSPs will meet
the consumer at the location.
SSP/CN Rate of Pay: Providers are volunteers. Sometimes the DeafBlind person offers food or gas
money, and if going to event, will cover cost of event fee.