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.
Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL
N |
|---|
NEBRASKAVancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) Remote office location – St. Louis, MO Brett Wilhelm, DeafBlind Services Program Coordinator 636-542-8126 voice/text/facetime Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services Service Area: Omaha, Nebraska Program Established: July 2023 Funding Sources: two-year grant of $110,000 from the NE Commission f/t Blind & Visually Impaired and $10,000 grant from the Friends of NCBVI to establish an SSP pilot program in the Omaha metro. NCBVI extended the program funding for a third year. Permanent program funding is being sought from the Nebraska State Legislature. 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 Nebraska photo ID, which will prove if they have been a Nebraska resident for at least one year and are age 14 years or older - anyone under the age of 18 will require parental consent to use SSP services. Number of Participants Served: up to 25 participants 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: 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 SSP Pay Rate: As of 2026, SSPs are paid $20/hour. The program pays mileage and travel time. Transportation: SSPs are allowed to drive; public transportation. | ||
NEW HAMPSHIRENortheast Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. 56 Old Suncook Road, Suite 6, Concord, NH 03301 Michelle McConaghy, Executive Director 603-968-5889 videophone; 603-224-1850 voice Northeast Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services SSP Services Northeast Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Service Area: New Hampshire Statewide Program Established: 2008 Funding Sources: Grant from New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation via Administration Community Living Eligibility: Deaf-Blind / low vision NH residents; must provide documentation of dual sensory disability (deafness and blindness); who may use ASL/Close Vision/Tactile or spoken English for communication. Number of Individuals Served: 9 individuals Preferred Terminology: SSP Certification/Endorsement: No CEUs or certification provided at this time Types of Service Requests: Guides for shopping, social events, errands (bank, barber shop/salon), etc SSP Providers will: § provide information about physical surroundings; § provide social information, such as describing the mood; § communicate with people using the DeafBlind person’s preferred mode of communication (sign language, tactile communication, speech, etc) Training Requirements: SSP training course by the coordinator, 1-1 instruction and peer mentoring are provided by SSP personnel and DeafBlind consumers who utilize SSP services. Program Coordination: part-time Transportation: The SSPs provide transportation as part of their services and are reimbursed for time and mileage. Must provide a copy of their Driver’s Abstract and proof of Automobile Liability Insurance (100/300 or higher). SSP Pay Rate: The program pays $20/hour. Other: n/a | ||
NEW JERSEYDeafBlind Community Access Network of New Jersey, Inc 187 Stewart Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 Katherine Gabry, Coordinator 201-978-5827 voice/text DeafBlind Community Access Network of New Jersey Facebook: Deaf Blind Community Access Network of NJ Instagram: @dbcannj LinkedIn: DeafBlind Community Access Network of New Jersey Inc Service Area: New Jersey Statewide Program Established: 2016 Funding Sources: donations, grants, volunteer providers Eligibility: adults 18 and older who are deafblind and can provide leadership, direction and decision-making regarding services/activities Number of Individuals Served: approximately 25 annually Preferred Terminology: Access Provider Certification/Endorsement: No CEUs or certification provided at this time Types of Service Requests: Educational, daily living, recreational, training, community service/education, social and shopping programs sponsored by DB CAN NJ Training Requirements – Access Providers/SSPs: A minimum of two references from the deafblind community are required. Each candidate is evaluated as to their knowledge and experience. Individual, online and small group trainings are provided by DB CAN NJ as needed. Content includes roles/responsibilities of the provider and deafblind person, cultural identity, historical implications and evolution of the SSP role, communication, human guide, skills of touch, defining and identifying environmental information, transportation (our providers do not drive consumers), confidentiality/ethics, recognizing/respecting deafblind person’s autonomy, recognizing personal limitations, and respecting/maintaining personal and professional boundaries. All candidates undergo a 1:1 training in community settings and skills evaluation by deafblind trainers. All must sign an agreement regarding the provision and use of services. Training Requirements – Deafblind: 1:1 training content includes roles/responsibilities of the provider and deafblind person; sharing preferences for communication, information access and guiding; confidentiality/ethics and boundaries. All must sign an agreement regarding the provision and use of services. Program Coordination: part-time, volunteers Provider Pay Rate: Hourly rate: $35/hr. Minimum assignment: 2 hours. Transportation: During an assignment, Access Providers/SSPs do not drive deafblind people; everyone is trained that the risks are just too high in our highly litigious state. In addition to walking, APs/SSPs may ride with deafblind people on ride services such as Uber and Lyft, taxis, paratransit and any mode of public transportation. Other: DB CAN NJ is a nonprofit that prides itself on being responsive to the needs of the entire deafblind community, not just deafblind people, but also interpreters, APs/SSPs, VR counselors, organizations, social workers, job coaches, family, friends – everyone who cares about and believes in this vibrant community. Our services are separate from SSPNJ, and eligible consumers can use the services of both programs. Our providers are independent contractors; deafblind people select their AP/SSP from our approved list.
Support
Service Providers of New Jersey (SSPNJ) 1 Jamie Court, Neptune, NJ 07753 Kristen Lang, Statewide Program Coordinator 215-284-7881 voice/text/FaceTime Michael Welter, Project Business Manager 732-633-1636 voice Shore Consulting Training and Equipment Service Area: New Jersey Statewide Number of SSPs: 41 Preferred Terminology: SSPs Types of Service Requests: Our Approved Activities list includes the following categories: post-secondary education/training, employment, health/well-being, household management, community integration. Training Requirements – SSPs: A minimum of two references from the deafblind community are required. Each candidate is evaluated as to their knowledge and experience. Individual, online and small group trainings are provided as needed. Content includes roles/responsibilities of the provider and deafblind person, cultural identity, historical implications and evolution of the SSP role, communication, human guide, skills of touch, defining and identifying environmental information, transportation (our providers do not drive consumers), confidentiality/ethics, recognizing/respecting deafblind person’s autonomy, recognizing personal limitations, and respecting/maintaining personal and professional boundaries. All candidates undergo a 1:1 training in community settings and skills evaluation by deafblind trainers. All must sign an agreement regarding the provision and use of services. Training Requirements – Deafblind: 1:1 training content includes roles/responsibilities of the provider and deafblind person; sharing preferences for communication, information access and guiding; confidentiality/ethics and boundaries. Program Coordination: Two Full-time staff members Transportation: SSPs are not able to provide transportation. However, SSPs can support consumers utilizing public transportation. The consumers is responsible for arranging their transportation but they can opt to have the SSP meet them at home and accompany them using public transportation. SSP Pay Rate: SSPs are paid varying rates: $27.50/hour - assignments for consumers who do not use any type of sign language. $30.00/hour for our consumers who need visual ASL SSPs and $32.50 for our consumers who need Tactile ASL SSPs Other: DeafBlind individuals have 10 hours of services/month. No minimum or maximum hours required, as long as the DeafBlind consumer and SSP are in agreement. Two-hour minimum assignments are encouraged. | ||
NEW MEXICOVancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS) 5000 Central Ave, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Mark Lucero-Muñiz, Program Manager 505-584-8195 text; 505-510-3134 videophone NMDeafBlindServices@vancro.com; NMSSP@vancro.com; mark.luceromuniz@vancro.com Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services Service Area: New Mexico Statewide Program Established: Service coordination and case management have been provided for several years. The Program’s SSP supports started in March 2011. Vancro took responsibility for the contract in 2023. Throughout the course of program administration, SSP, Communication Facilitator and case management services were expanded to Deaf people with additional disabilities and Deaf Senior Citizens. In July 2011, SSP supports were extended to deaf-plus (individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing with significant disabilities). This program includes case management services available to the aforementioned three groups. Funding Sources: From the State of New Mexico’s legislature through the New Mexico Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Eligibility: Must meet the Program definition of deaf-blindness (combined auditory and visual losses), DeafDisabled (deaf or hard of hearing with a significant disability), or Deaf Senior Citizen (deaf or hard of hearing age 60 or above). Number of Individuals Served: 80+ 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: Advocacy and support at appointments with doctors, the Social Security Administration, Human Services and Case Management Services, referrals to other sources such as Representative Payee Services and vocational services. SSP supports include transportation/travel support and access to environmental information. Personnel development training to other service providers in the state. Training Requirements: Two days of initial training (SSP Basic Training), ongoing opportunities for professional development provided to SSPs. Program Coordination: · Program manager – Mark Lucero-Muniz · Communication Facilitator Manager – Mark Lucero Muniz · Case Manager – Lydia Tesfaye · SSP Scheduler – Larry Daniel III · SSPs – Currently 20 located across the state but the number fluctuates Transportation: The program does allow SSPs to provide transportation to eligible New Mexicans. SSP Pay Rate: Vancro in NM pays $19/hour portal to portal if using their own vehicle plus mileage while driving with the consumer, based on our state. It is currently 67 cents a mile. | ||
NEW YORKCenter for Disability Rights, Inc. 497 State Street, Rochester, NY 14608 Michelle Williams-Albert, Director of Deaf Services 585-445-7021 videophone Service Area: Rochester, New York (Monroe County) 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.
141 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY 11050 Vacant, SSP/CN Coordinator Interim contact: Ryan Odland, Associate Executive Director 516-570-3635 videophone Helen Keller National Center SSP Factsheet 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. | ||
NORTH CAROLINANC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) NC Driver/Support Service Provider Vendor List (DSSPVL) Nicole Alleman, DeafBlind Services Coordinator 919-324-3714 videophone Service Area: North Carolina Statewide Program Established: 2007 Funding Sources: DHHS hiring agency/facility is responsible for the payment of DSSP vendors for services rendered from their program budgets. Number of Individuals Served: Approximately 50 DeafBlind staff, consumers, and clients of DHHS programs/facilities. Preferred Terminology: Driver/SSP Certification/Endorsement: The Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has a DeafBlind SSP/CoNavigator training that we encourage volunteer and contract vendors to complete, but we will accept certificates of participation in SSP/CN trainings provided by HKNC, PLI or the NC Division of Services for the Blind. Types of Service Requests: The NC DHHS Driver/Support Service Provider Vendor List (DSSPVL) is a list of qualified individuals approved to provide driver and support services for DeafBlind clients, staff and consumers of the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on an as-needed basis. NC DHHS has developed the vendor list to satisfy the demands of state and federal laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the NC DHHS Communication Accessibility Provision to benefit their clients, consumers and staff in providing reasonable accommodations which include drivers and support services. Training Requirements: Eligibility: · Applicant must be 18 years or older · To provide transportation, applicant must possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of two years and possess a good driving record as verified through the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. · Applicant possesses necessary skills to perform services for DeafBlind individuals as stated in the scope of work, which includes: a) Provide transportation, b) Serve as Human Guide/CoNavigator, c) Assist with communication in informal settings if vision is an issue, d) Provide access to printed materials and e) Provide visual, environmental and social feedback information. Program Coordination: Each NC-DHHS division and office can utilize the DSSPVL list to easily identify and secure qualified services for DeafBlind consumers, clients, or staff and/or mixed group meetings, trainings, community forums or public hearings and other division or office events, in the shortest amount of time possible at a standard hourly rate. Transportation: Driver/SSP vendors can provide transportation but a statement from their insurance company is required indicating the vendor has the minimum liability coverage as required by the contract and acknowledgement that the vehicle is used for business/for hire. SSP Pay Rate: · SSP Only $24/hour base rate · Driver/SSP $30/hour base rate · Specialized Skills: +$2 TASL and +$2 Haptics/Protactile Other: This program is limited to DeafBlind consumers accessing DHHS services, DHHS DeafBlind employees’ work duties or DeafBlind Medicaid beneficiaries’ or companions’ Medicaid-billable services. | ||