April 2026
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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ALABAMAAlabama Institute for Deaf and Blind PO Box 698 Talladega, AL 35161 Sybil Garrett, Coordinator of DeafBlind Programs 256-223-4008 cell/text; 256-203-0231 videophone Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Service Area: Statewide Program Established: 10/01/2018 Funding Sources: State Appropriation Eligibility: Dual Sensory Loss (vision and hearing) Number of Individuals Served: 105 individuals annually, approximately 8 individuals per week Preferred Terminology: SSP/CN Certification/Endorsement: Training is provided but no certification or CEUs are available Types of Service Requests: SSP/CN support to and from medical appointments, surgical procedures, pharmacy (after medical or surgical appointment), therapy (short-term), major public transportation (bus, train, and airport); social service agencies, AIDB functions/classes, community activities/classes, consumer organization conferences/workshops. Training Requirements: Providers are trained by staff who hold certifications as SSPs and/or in the area of DeafBlindness. Training for providers is online and in-person. Consumer training is currently being developed. Program Coordination: Full-Time Transportation: SSPs and CNs are able to provide transportation for consumers using a vehicle from the agency motor pool or using their personal vehicle (reimbursed mileage). SSP Pay Rate: SSPs/CNs are paid at $25.00/hour including mileage reimbursement. Other: n/a | ||
ARIZONACatholic Community Services of Southern Arizona (CCS) – Deaf Services Dept 268 W Adams Street, Tucson, AZ 85705 Krystal Wright, Associate Director of Deaf Services 480-349-2464 voice; 480-428-0397 videophone Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona Service Area: ARIZONA Statewide, predominantly in Phoenix and Tucson Program Established: 1990s Funding Sources: As of February 2026, $350,000 appropriated annually from the Arizona State Legislature for SSP services shared between Catholic Community Services and Vancro. CCS has secured county and community foundation grants to augment services in the past. Eligibility: Arizona residents who are over 18 years old and meet the definition of “DeafBlind” as defined by state statute (ARS 36-1941). Number of Individuals Serviced: Approximately 40 DB individuals are registered with the program and 25-30 clients regularly use SSP services monthly. Preferred Terminology: SSP but defer to the participant for their preferred terminology Certification/Endorsement: require a SLPI (Sign Language Proficiency Interview) test within 90 days of being hired to provide that communication access. Types of Service Requests: As of February 2026, average SSP usage per client per month is 15 to 30 hours. SSP services outside of the home include grocery shopping, medical appointments, and community events and inside the home include assistance with reading mail, identifying items, etc. Training Requirements: SSPs must complete SSP training and mentoring by the state contractor as approved by the Arizona Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Program Coordination: full-time position Transportation: yes, SSPs use agency vehicles, rental vehicles or public transportation. SSPs cannot use their own vehicles. SSP Pay Rate: SSPs have different levels depending on experience. The pay rate range is $16 – 23/hour Other: The goal of this program is to provide individuals who are DeafBlind with access to SSP services that empower them to lead self-determined lives. Our services are designed to enhance their quality of life while fostering greater independence.
Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) Satellite Office: PO Box 1273 Middletown Springs VT 05757 Main Office: 4370 Fort Apache Rd #300, Las Vegas NV 89147 Cory Brunner, Vice President and Mark Lucero-Muniz - Program Support and Meagan Gorsuch - Outreach, Training and Education and Larry Daniel - Scheduling 802-275-0104 videophone; 802-275.4704 and 802-236-8409 Main Landline; 802-275-1014 DeafBlind Services Main Number -Voice/Text cory.brunner@vancro.com and larry.daniel@vancro.com and general inquiries to: deafblindservices@vancro.com Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services Service Area: Arizona Statewide Program Established: October 2025 Funding Sources: from the Arizona legislature for SSP services via ACDHH Eligibility: Arizona residents who are over 18 years old and meet the definition of “DeafBlind” as defined by the organization. Number of Individuals Served: TBD Preferred Terminology: SSP Certification/Endorsement: Yes, CEUs are available Types of Service Requests: To run errands, attend events, attend appointments, read mail, assist with in-house tasks like setting up computers access and online shopping. Training Requirements: 2-day training Program Coordination: part-time Transportation: SSPs are allowed to drive; public transportation. SSP Pay Rate: The program pays $20.00/hour portal to portal. | ||
ARKANSASArkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) 5401 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72209 Cheryl Seymore, Rehabilitation Area Manager for Services f/t Deaf & Hard of Hearing 501-686-2800 voice Arkansas Rehabilitation Services 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 an 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 | ||
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CALIFORNIADeaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center (DHHSC) 5340 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93710 Viridiana Alvarez, Executive Director 559-225-3323 voice; 559-478-2791 videophone Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center Service Area: an 8 county region in Central California Program Established: The DeafBlind Services program was established in May 2000, which includes the DeafBlind Support Group (DBSG). This group meets on the second Saturday of each month. Funding Sources: The services provided specifically to the DeafBlind community include case management, SSP services, SSP training, and DBSG monthly socials. The DeafBlind Services Program received a one-year, non-renewable grant from the Department of Rehabilitation in 2005 to provide paid SSP services. The SSP program is currently operating on a volunteer basis. SSPs are recruited from several sources: the Interpreter Training Program at California State University Fresno, Certified Deaf Interpreters, Community Interpreters, ASL students, and family members of those who are DeafBlind. Tools used for recruitment include the DHHSC’s DeafBee on the website, DHHSC’s social media platforms, class presentations at the local colleges/universities, word-of-mouth, and annual workshops. Eligibility: There are no set criteria for those receiving services. Those who provide SSP services are required to participate in SSP trainings. Number of Individuals Served: average 5-10 individuals per month Preferred Terminology: SSP or CN Certification/Endorsement: Certificates of completion are provided after SSP/Co-Navigator trainings. Types of Service Requests: Transportation, shopping, reading mail, making phone calls, exercising, travel out-of-town to DeafBlind events, computer assistance, independent living assistance, and assistance at recreational and social events. Training Requirements: Training is provided for all people interested in working with the DeafBlind community including interpreters, ASL students, interpreting students, and family members. Training occurs in a workshop format and topics include causes of DeafBlindness, safe guiding, etiquette, communication techniques and DeafBlind protocol. Program Coordination: The program is currently overseen by the Services Personnel Director of DHHSC. The agency constantly searches for grant and fundraising opportunities to secure funds for services and activities related to the DeafBlind Services Program. Transportation: SSPs can drive DeafBlind clients in their own vehicles but they must first sign a waiver with DHHSC. SSP/CN Pay Rate: Program uses volunteers at this time Other: Additional documentation is currently being developed to enhance services for the community. Interpreting services for DeafBlind individuals can be scheduled with Interpreting Services of Central California, a division of DHHSC – interpreting@dhhsc.org. Additionally, our agency has two Client Services Specialists who work with the DeafBlind: Angelica Medina-Boersma at angelicamb@dhhsc.org and Joshua Blanco at joshuab@dhhsc.org
Mind Your Language, Inc. (MYL) 611 Wilshire Boulevard, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Lucas Soto, owner 323-230-0599 voice; 818-237-9239 videophone service@mindyourlanguageinc.com lucas.soto@mindyourlanguageinc.com Service Area: Greater Los Angeles and neighboring cities Program Established: January 2017 Funding Sources: California Department of Rehabilitation 75%, Private donations 25% Eligibility: Participants must be clients of the California Department of Rehabilitation. Otherwise, we would need additional time to provide funding. However, we are not known for turning down consumers. Number of Individuals Served: Over 30 Preferred Terminology: CoNavigator Certification/Endorsement: MYL doesn’t provide CEUs or certification. We would provide a “DeafBlind CoNavigator Training” certificate of completion if individuals attend one of our workshops in its entirety. Types of Service Requests: Medical appointments, job interviews, errands related to employment, emergencies; and other activities require pre-approval Training Requirements: Sixty percent of our CoNavigators/SSPs have been trained by DeafBlind instructors. If the CN has no formal training, a set of references from previous customers is required. We are happy to adapt to the consumer’s level of training and would suggest any training we would see fitting. SSPs/CoNavigators require three sets of references from DB consumers. We are happy to adapt to the consumer's level of training and would suggest any training we would see fitting. Program Coordination: Part Time Transportation: It depends on the funding source. Most likely it would be covered by state funding or donations. If the DeafBlind consumer has an issue with the CN providing transportation, the CN can meet the client at a predefined destination. SSP/CN Pay Rate: The CN/SSP Rates are $60/hour with a four-hour minimum. Mileage is also charged at the current federal rate. We only pay for travel time if the provider has to drive over 30 minutes to arrive at the initial place of service, $30/hour. Other: Mind Your Language has been hosting local DeafBlind Interpreting workshops annually. We are planning to host virtual CN training in summer 2026. | ||
COLORADOColorado Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind (CDDHHDB) 1575 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203 Elli Streifer, DeafBlind Programs Coordinator 720-829-6736 voice; 720-798-6187 videophone Colorado
Division for the Deaf Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Certification/Endorsement: none at this time Types of Service Requests: General. Reading mail, attending DB social events and council meetings, shopping, doctor appointments, legislative meetings, etc. Each consumer is allowed 2-24 hours per month, depending on their needs and tier placement. Training Requirements: SSPs receive
comprehensive 18-hour mentoring from both an experienced SSP mentor and
DeafBlind consumer mentors. SSP Pay Rate: SSPs first have their base rate determined based on their number of years of experience (0-3: $44, 4-6: $48, 7+: $55). Then, $1 is added to this base rate based on the SSP's skills/experience, including ASL fluency or a relevant college degree, up to $6. Once the SSP's base rate has been established, there is a $7.50 night/weekend differential and a $15 holiday differential. Other: Automotive liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000) is mandatory if SSPs plan to drive consumers. The state provided a waiver allowing SSP vendors to have a $300k/$500K minimum policy. SSPs are also required to hold professional liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000). | ||
CONNECTICUTCommunication Advocacy Network (CAN) 151 New Park Ave, Suite 101, Box 83, Hartford, CT 06106 Cheri Hembree, Assistant Director 860-566-9490 videophone Communication Advocacy Network Service Area: Connecticut Statewide Program Established: August 2009 Funding Sources: (state agency) Department of Rehabilitation Services with Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind; http://www.ct.gov/besb/site/default.asp and some grants and fundraising events Eligibility: legally blind and deaf, including low vision. New additional group requested by BESB is work in progress: Blind and Hard of Hearing Number of Individuals Served: 24 Preferred Terminology: SSP Certification/Endorsement: yes, training CEUs are provided if training is done by the Helen Keller National Center and/or other certified trainers. Types of Service Requests: Support Service Providers (SSP), and deaf-blind services including monthly deaf-blind support group with guest speakers Training Requirements: Knowledge of ASL is preferred but not required; be familiar in the area of deaf-blind services; and to be able to work with hard of hearing deaf-blind consumers by using oral communication or other modes of communication. Program Coordination: full-time SSP program scheduler wh takes calls from clients, SSPs and others, coordinates appointments with staff and others Transportation: Transportation is provided by SSPs. SSP Pay Rate: New SSPs (#1099 employees are paid $22.50/hour depending on experience plus IRS mileage rates. Veteran SSPs are paid more depending on college degree or experience plus IRS mileage rates. Other: DeafBlind distribution program available provided by the Connecticut Tech Act Project, http://cttechact.com/att/#sthash.VcbtQEYt.dpbs | ||
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA / WASHINGTON, DCGallaudet University – Disability Services Center – CoNavigation Program 800 Florida Ave NE, Peet Hall – 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002 Edwin Martinez, Accommodations and CoNavigation Program Coordinator 202-250-2059 videophone Gallaudet University CN Program Service Area: Currently only providing within the perimeters of the Gallaudet University campus Program Established: January 2014 as an SSP program on campus; changed to CoNavigator program in 2022 Funding Sources: Gallaudet University Eligibility: Services are only for current Gallaudet students, staff, faculty, alumni and visitors Number of Individuals Served: 15 students Preferred Terminology: CoNavigator (CN) Certification/Endorsement: none available currently. Types of Service Requests: CoNavigation Program provides support by conveying visual, social, and environmental information to DeafBlind people to maintain their own autonomy rather than acting as a caretaker for them. CNs are essential, as a guide and communication facilitator, in ensuring that DeafBlind clients are enabled to navigate and engage with their academic and campus life (events) within various campus locations, including the pre-approved, off campus academic-related functions. Training Requirements: orientation training and subsequent refresher training Program Coordination: Part-Time CN Pay Rate: The program pays $16.00/hour for student workers. All assignments occur on campus, so no travel reimbursement is needed. | ||
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FLORIDAFlorida CoNavigators (FCN) run by Florida DeafBlind Association (FDBA) 332 Cypress Road, St. Augustine, FL 32086 Victoria Magliocchino, FCN Coordinator 904-325-5283 text only Service Area: Florida Statewide Program Established: 2012 (FSSP) 2019 (FCN) Funding Sources: Self and Volunteer Eligibility: Persons who are DeafBlind Number of Individuals Served: about 30 people Preferred Terminology: CoNavigator (CN) Certification/Endorsement: We do not provide certification at this time. Types of Service Requests: Attending events; shopping; banking; doctor visits; travel; cruise; job sites when needed or applicable; school/college; and any other services where DeafBlind individuals need CoNavigators. Training Requirements: We do provide trainings to both sighted and DeafBlind individuals. We usually train a team of sighted and DeafBlind CNs so they learn to work together as a team. Program Coordination: part-time Transportation: CNs do provide transportation/drive in their cars. CN Pay Rate: Florida CNs are volunteers or are paid directly by the DeafBlind person. Other: n/a | ||
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GEORGIAGeorgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH) 2296 Henderson Mill Road, NE #115, Atlanta, GA 30345 Position vacant, Employment Specialist 404-292-5312 voice; 404-381-8448 videophone Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Area: Georgia Statewide – only if currently served by VR Program Established: 2015 Funding Sources: GVRA state funded for clients of VR working toward their vocational rehabilitation goals. Eligibility: VR clients with dual sensory loss Number of Individuals Served: ~ 25 people per year. GCDHH recently revised its contract with GA VR to offer SSP services for Georgia VR clients only. There are no SSP services available for non-VR DeafBlind clients at this time. Preferred Terminology: SSP Certification/Endorsement: Trainings are offered by regional DeafBlind organizations. Types of Service Requests: job interviews, on the job training, work experiences, informational interviews, job development Training Requirements: SSPs must be certified in Georgia through one of the DeafBlind organizations that provides training. GCDHH has their process of screening and contracting with SSPs and new applicants go through the usual state of Georgia background check process. Program Coordination: As needed Transportation: SSPs can provide transportation, facilitate communication at training or worksite, etc. If the SSP is deaf, they will use an interpreter along with the SSP as needed. SSP Pay Rate: The SSP and travel time rate is $25/hour plus mileage based on the IRS mileage rate. Other: n/a | ||
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HAWAIISSP Managed Service Provider (MSP) Program 1010 Richards St, Suite 217, Honolulu, HI 96813 Kiley Cagasan, VRS Program Support Representative 808-818-1732 voice; 808-647-1274 voice/text kileycagasan@knowledgeservices.com SSP Page: Support Service Provider Program (SSP) – Knowledge Services Consumer Page: Deaf-Blind Consumers – SSP Appointment Request – Knowledge Services Service Area: Hawaii Statewide Program Established: 2024 Funding Sources: State Appropriation in HI Department of Human Services/HI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation executive budget. Eligibility: Individual applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, reside in the State of Hawaiʻi, have the decision-making skills related to their SSP services, possess verification of Deaf-Blind status with support documents (from a doctor, DOE, DVR, etc.) documenting both vision and hearing loss, and agree to pay any incidental expenses, and/or activity expenses (i.e., parking meters, bus fare, entrance fees, and event tickets). Number of Individuals Served: 15 Preferred Terminology: SSP/consumer Certification/Endorsement: no certification/endorsements are provided at this time. Types of Service Requests: Shopping, reading mail, making phone calls, independent living assistance, and assistance at recreational and social events. Activities include: appointments, community involvement, legislative participation, meetings/events, errands, social interactions, etc. Training Requirements: Although no formal training or experience is required, prior experience working with individuals who are Deaf-Blind, Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing, or have a combination of vision and hearing loss is preferred. Currently, the opportunity for formal training is under review by DVR. Program Coordination: Department of Human Services/Division of Vocational Rehabilitation/Knowledge Services. Transportation: SSPs are allowed but are not required to drive consumers. SSPs have the opportunity to receive $10.00 flat rate per assignment when using personal vehicle. SSP Rate of Pay: The program has a pay scale ranging from $30 to $45 an hour, depending on the consumer's needs, the SSP's skills and the specific nature of the assignment. Other: Knowledge Services is the Managed Service Provider (MSP) managing the Support Service Provider Program.
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