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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WASHINGTONDeafBlind Service Center (DBSC) Jessica Phillips, SSP Coordinator 206-452-0062 videophone Service Area: Washington Statewide Program Established: 1985 Funding Sources: Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, City of Seattle, private donations, fundraising events and foundation grants Eligibility: DeafBlind Washington residents, ages 18 and older receive up to 20 hours a month. New DeafBlind persons must be a Washington resident before receiving any CN services and once s/he becomes a resident, the person will then go through intake screening to determine eligibility. Guidelines are reviewed with all new consumers. New DeafBlind participants with no experience of using a CN are required to take “How to Use CN Service” training. Number of Individuals Served: 73 Preferred Terminology: CoNavigator Certification/Endorsement: We do not have training CEUs but have created a professional development team to look into options. Types of Service Requests: grocery shopping, errands, material reading, basic banking, self-care activities such as exercise and attending social activities, and transportation to airport, train or bus station. Training Requirements: CNs - (10-15, depending on experience) 15 hours of training and must already be fluent in ASL (minimum ASL 3). Exemption from ASL skills depends on the need for hearing CNs to work with non-ASL hard of hearing consumers preferring oral communication. DBSC provides training on guiding, how to convey visual and environmental information to DeafBlind participants, and includes some basic Protactile techniques. DBSC also provides workshops about DeafBlind culture and other workshops. Program Coordination: 10 – 20 hours month depending on available funding by the state. Transportation: CNs provide transportation. SSP Pay Rate: The program pays CNs $25/hour. The DeafBlind client is responsible to pay for mileage. If the assignment takes over one hour to get to and from home, then we add travel time but that only occurs occasionally. Other: Some CN services are paid and some are volunteered. CNs are required to have driver’s license and auto insurance to be copied and filed. A background check is also required. CN mentorships are also offered to CNs to gain skills and confidence. During mentorship, the mentor is paid while the CN volunteers their time. | ||