Program
Established: 2001 by RCIL (Regional Center for Independent
Living); transitioned over in 2007 to the Center for Disability Rights,
Inc.
Funding
Sources: Currently using Independent Living funds and hoping
to utilize the profits from our new interpreting agency to fund the SSP
program. We are also looking into
permanent state/federal funding and accepting private donations.
Eligibility: Individuals with documented hearing and vision loss, age 18
and older
Number of Individuals
Served: 36
Preferred
Terminology: SSP
Certification/Endorsement: None
Types of
Service Requests: grocery shopping, medical/legal appointments, and
social events; community-based meetings
Training
Requirements: 1-1 instruction and peer mentoring are provided by
SSP personnel and DeafBlind consumers who utilize SSP services.
Program
Coordination: One month of pre-time to arrange scheduling and SSP
assignments for DeafBlind consumers.
Transportation: SSPs
provide transportation to consumers.
SSP Pay
Rate: The SSP rate is $18/hour and mileage reimbursement
is $0.67/mile.
Other: The mission
is to assist people who are DeafBlind to lead fully independent lives. We continue to do outreach in hopes to
increase more DeafBlind individuals utilizing SSP services in Monroe County.
Service
Area: HKNC – employees and program participants
Program
Established: November 2022
Funding
Sources: HKNC general budget
Eligibility:
in-person program participants, HKNC employees and visitors
Number of
Consumers Served: 15+ DeafBlind individuals
Preferred
Terminology: SSP and CoNavigator (depending on the model
utilized)
Certification/Endorsement: SSPs/CNs
receive a certificate of completion after both trainings are finished.
Types of
Service Requests: SSP/CN is offered for staff for work-related activities.
SSP/CN is offered to program participants for both employment-related and
recreational needs.
Training
Requirements: SSPs/CNs and participants will be required to
complete trainings. The SSP/CN training is online, self-paced, completed
in two weeks and in-person two-day training. Participant training will depend
on their experiences. The CoNavigator
training is being developed and will be deployed in spring 2026, to be provided
in person.
Program
Coordination: Full-time
Transportation: SSPs/CNs
are allowed to drive agency vehicles with Motor Vehicle background check
completed. SSPs/CNs may choose to use
their personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement.
SSP Pay
Rate: SSPs/CNs are paid $25/hour with mileage
reimbursement.