Program Established: 2017 (Vancro took over the grant in 2021)
Funding Sources: Funded through legislation enacted by the Missouri Legislature and managed by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH).
Eligibility: Service recipients must have varying levels of combined vision and hearing loss: 1) Vision - vision acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a field loss such that the peripheral diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance of no greater than 20 degrees, or progressive visual loss with a prognosis leading to one or both of the above conditions; and 2) Hearing - chronic hearing disabilities so severe that most speech cannot be understood with optimum amplification, or progressive hearing loss having a prognosis leading to the above condition; the confirmation of vision and hearing loss must be provided in writing from a professional. In addition, the DeafBlind participant must have the capacity in giving instructions and making decisions independently when utilizing SSP services. DeafBlind participants must provide a Missouri photo ID, which will prove if they have been a Missouri resident for at least one year and are age 15 years or older - anyone under the age of 18 will require parental consent to use SSP services.
Number of Individuals Served: 69 Missourians
Preferred Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: RID CEUs are offered for initial SSP training. Vancro is willing to work with other professional organizations to procure CEUs based on participant interest.
Types of Service Requests: errands, business, entertainment, medical, educational, and other activities that create access for the DeafBlind service recipient.
Training Requirements: DeafBlind participants are not required to attend a group training session. They can have a session with a member of the Vancro staff that usually lasts no more than two hours. SSPs must attend a Missouri SSP Program training session that includes the following: DeafBlind culture, state standards, requesting and providing services, professionalism, and mutual respect, as well as guiding techniques. SSP hybrid trainings last up to ten hours.
Transportation: Public and private transportation funding is available for DeafBlind participants to access the community while utilizing state SSP services.
SSP Pay Rate: As of 2024, SSPs are paid $20/hour, portal to portal plus mileage while driving with the consumer.
Other: The Missouri SSP Program is funded annually; organization program management is contingent on grant submission selection by MCDHH staff. Program details and appropriations are subject to change on a yearly basis.