Program Established: 2001 as an Act of the Massachusetts State Legislature. It was a result of intensive lobbying efforts
on behalf of the DeafBlind Interpreter Alliance (DBIA) as well as members of
the DeafBlind & Deaf community, Disability Policy Consortium, DEAF Inc., MA
Commission for the Blind (MCB) and MA Commission for the Deaf & Hard of
Hearing (MCDHH).
Funding Sources:
The program is grant funded by MCB and overseen by MCB and operated by DEAF
Inc.
Eligibility:
Consumers are eligible for up to 20 hours of service per month. If additional
hours are needed, consumers may request up to 10 extra hours (for a total of 30
hours) with DBCAN Director approval. In
cases of significant need, an additional 10 hours (for a total of 40 hours) may
be authorized with approval from Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.
Number of Individuals Served: 76 consumers with 50 DBCAN providers
Preferred Terminology: DBCAN providers
Certification/Endorsement: No CEUs or certificates are provided for training
completed
Types of Service Requests: errands/appointments, reading mail, personal needs
or food shopping, exercise, transportation and guidance to medical
appointments, and social/recreational activities
Training Requirements: Providers are
required to complete a 12-hour training program with certificate provided upon
completion. Additionally, providers are expected to complete 2 hours of
onboarding with the consumer.
Program Coordination: full-time director, full-time assistant director
Transportation:
DBCAN providers can transport DBCAN consumers in their cars, with their own car
insurance. Occasionally, consumers use
public transportation but primarily depend on the DBCAN providers who are paid
$0.67/mile for travel.
Provider Pay Rate: The current average pay rate is $19/hour. Additionally, providers are reimbursed at a
rate of $0.67/mile.
Other:
Services are provided by DBCAN Providers, this is the preferred term rather
than support service providers. The
funding is $806,064 annually.