March 2024
Note: Services listed do not imply endorsement by HKNC. The information listed is self-reported by the program. The terminology used in this document is unique to each program (for example the spelling of the word “DeafBlind” or use of the term SSP or CoNavigator). This program listing is provided for informational purposes only. These are the known programs in the United States. Several other states/metropolitan communities have active work groups investigating the possibility of establishing SSP or CN services.
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ARIZONAArizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing 100 N. 15th Ave. Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Carmen Green Smith, Deputy Director 620-542-3362 voice; 480-559-9441 videophone Service Area: ARIZONA Statewide Program Established: 2018 Funding Sources: $192,000/yr from the Arizona legislature for SSP services Eligibility: Arizona residents who are over 18 years old and meet the definition of “DeafBlind” as defined by the organization. Number of Individuals Served: 20-25 individuals a month Preferred Terminology: SSP Certification/Endorsement: The agency is in negotiations with some independent contractors to offer SSP training. It is our plan to offer CEUs with an annual training. Types of Service Requests: 20 hours/monthly of SSP services outside of the home such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, and community events and inside the home to assist with reading mail, identifying items, etc. Training Requirements: SSPs must complete the ACDHH SSP training or similar approved training Program Coordination: Services are coordinated through a contracted vendor Transportation: transportation is provided through a contracted vendor Other: The goal of this program is to provide DeafBlind persons with access to information that allows them to lead a self-determined life. | ||
ARKANSASArkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) 900 W. 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 Cheryl Seymore, Rehabilitation Area Manager for Services f/t Deaf & Hard of Hearing 501-686-2800 voice Service Area: Central Arkansas Program Established: The DeafBlind Program was established in 1989 through a grant. It became a part of ARS in 1991. The agency began providing SSP services in 1997. Funding Sources: Arkansas Rehabilitation Services funds the program which pays for SSPs who work on contract with the state program. Eligibility: allowed up to 10 hours/week; have an SSP plan with consumer goals identified. Primary goals are socialization, independent living, and access to the community. Number of Individuals Served: 30 individuals Preferred Terminology: SSP Certification/Endorsement: The program does not have an SSP certification but does occasionally offer CEUs Types of Service Requests: reading mail, shopping, errands (drug store), exercise classes, monthly social group, and occasionally weddings or funerals. Training Requirements: Many of the SSPs attend classes at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, interpreting program; SSP workshops are also provided with collaboration with UALR interpreting instructors and local consumers; an annual training/workshop is provided to allow SSPs to brush up on their skills. Anyone interested in becoming an SSP must first provide 100 volunteer hours working as a SSP before they are eligible to be paid. They must also maintain yearly CEU requirements. Program Coordination: SSPs are contacted directly by the consumer to schedule their appointments. The ARS SSP program is run by its full time staff interpreters. Processing payments for working SSP’s is only one of their many responsibilities. Transportation: SSPs do provide transportation but it is only for the purpose of getting to the place they will provide SSP services; they do not provide transportation services alone. When transportation is the only need, options recommended include public transportation, local Deaf Uber drivers, or contact family, friends or someone willing to volunteer. SSP Pay Rate: the rate of pay is between $15.00 and $38.00 per hour based on experience, interpreter credentials, and licensing. Other: Arkansas has developed a SSP guidelines document | ||