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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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 | ||