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P

PENNSYLVANIA

DeafCAN! – Deaf Community Action Network

A Human Services Program of Christ the King Deaf Church

730 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19382

Scott Stoffel, SSP Coordinator

484-319-4245 videophone; 610-436-9751 voice

ScottMStoffel@yahoo.com

William Lockard, DeafCAN! Program Director

BillLockard@deafcanpa.org

www.deafcanpa.org (features video of the SSP program)

Service Area:  7 counties in SE Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, and Lancaster) 

Funding Sources:  Grants and other donations

Eligibility:  Verify deaf-blindness and be able to direct the services of an SSP

Number of Individuals Served:  20; but we also provide volunteer SSPs at social events for consumers not registered with the service. 

Preferred Terminology:  SSP

Certification/Endorsement:  None at this time

Types of Service Requests:  each consumer can have up to 10 hours of SSP service each month and can use SSPs at their own discretion.  

SSP Training Requirements:  Each candidate is evaluated as to their knowledge and experience and must pass a functional evaluation of the basic skills of being an SSP.

Program Coordination:  Consumers can contact the coordinator or SSPs directly for requests, and then report any agreed assignments to the coordinator.  The SSP coordinator is a part-time, paid position.

Transportation:  The SSP’s role is during the actual assignment, not the transportation.  Consumers negotiate their own agreements for transportation with the SSP which can include their personal car or public transportation.  DeafCAN cannot pay for driving due to insurance regulations.

SSP Pay Rate:  Paid SSPs receive $30/hour.  Mileage reimbursement for volunteer SSPs is $0.65/mile.

Other:  This service is separate from the state’s DBLWS service.  Consumers can and do use both services. 

 

Step Up Services, LLC

1321 Montrose Ave, Bethlehem, PA  18018

Heather Snyder, Owner

610-417-4291 voice

heather@stepupservicesllc.com

https://stepupservicesllc.com/

Service Area: Pennsylvania Statewide

Program Established: March 2023

Funding Sources: Funding through the PA Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH)

Eligibility: Age 18 or older, have hearing AND vision loss, and must be able to self-direct services

Number of Participants Served: 64 (increasing weekly)

Preferred Terminology: SSP

Certification/Endorsement: training provided by the PA ODHH is endorsed by the Helen Keller National Center

Types of Service Requests: DeafBlind consumers have 15 hours per month to use as they wish: errands, medical, recreation, hobbies, reading mail, paying bills, socializing, eating out, shopping, haircuts, almost anything!

Training Requirements: For DeafBlind Consumers: The Owner of Step Up Services will  meet with you to discuss the program and your preferences. For SSPs: The SSP Coordinator will make sure all appropriate clearances and paperwork are on file. SSPs are required to attend an SSP Training provided by the PA ODHH which is endorsed by the Helen Keller National Center. 

Program Coordination: Full-Time

Transportation: Yes, if requested and the SSP is willing/able. It is not a requirement of the program.

SSP Pay Rate:  The hourly rate is $20/hour.  Travel time and mileage reimbursement are not provided.