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SEATTLE

DEAF-BLIND

SERVICE CENTER

PROFESSIONAL-TO-PROFESSIONAL

Solution Focused Services

About Our Professional-to-Professional Services

In growing response to requests from other agencies and companies, we now provide consultation and training with quality and efficiency.

Deaf-Blind Educational Training

Problem:

You and your agency will start serving deaf-blind individuals and you have no idea how to meet their needs.

Problem:

You have a deaf-blind client ready to work in a new environment, but the employer doesn't know anything about deaf-blindness.

Problem:

Your deaf-blind client will move into a new living situation, but the care providers don't understand the client's needs.

Solution: DBSC Basic Workshops!

Topics include Introduction to Deaf-Blind Culture and Communication, Becoming an Accessible Workplace for the Deaf-Blind Employee, Effective TTY and Relay Service Communication, Confidentiality: Laws and Ethics for Service Providers in the Deaf Community, and more.

Workshops may be a one-time event or include follow up advanced sessions. They can also be tailored to suit individual needs. DBSC will provide an experienced trainer, two professional sign language interpreters, and all training materials.

Support Service Providers

Problem:

Your deaf-blind client has a job interview or evaluation. How does your client get there and maneuver safely through the environment?

Problem:

Your deaf-blind client needs to purchase employment-appropriate clothing or supplies. How will your client do the needed shopping?

Problem:

Your deaf-blind client is ready to visit employment sites to gather applications and information. How will your client travel and maneuver the environment?

Solution: Support Service Providers!

DBSC can provide trained Support Service Providers (SSPs) to give transportation and visual information to the deaf-blind person. This includes safe, sighted guiding and appropriate environmental information via sign language or other means. (Note: this role does not take the place of a qualified interpreter for the meeting itself.)

Braille-Related Services

Problem:

You want to invite deaf-blind people to a meeting. However, you don't know how to reach them. You don't know what form of print or braille each individual requires. You don't know how to edit your notice for deaf-blind needs, or where to get the notices brailled.

Solution: DBSC Mailing and Brailling Services!

Our confidential statewide list of deaf-blind individuals and their reading preferences (large print, braille grade 1 or grade 2) cannot be released to you. However, we can send your mail out for you. We can produce the materials in all necessary formats with our in-house equipment. With your approval, we will edit your materials to increase comprehension.

Problem:

Your deaf-blind client is ready and motivated to begin braille instruction; however, your client uses sign language and is not fluent in written English. Who can meet the communication needs and teach valuable functional braille skills?

Solution: Deaf-Blind Braille Instruction!

Our staff includes fluent braille readers and writers, who are familiar with various levels of English abilities and how that affects braille use. Our trainers are fluent in American Sign Language and can communicate directly with your client. Training may include grade 1 and grade 2 reading and writing, using a slate and stylus or Perkins braillewriter, label makers, using refreshable braille displays, and other facets of braille use.

For more information, details, or rates, please contact us!

Protocol for Acquiring a Professional Support Service Provider (PSSP)

  1. Fill out the SSP Request form at least three weeks in advance. (You may find it on website.)
  2. You may need to contact Jelica Nuccio, Executive Director) for detailed fees information even though there is a standard fee for PSSP and administration fee.
  3. Give the completed form to Jackie Engler-Morris at jengler@seattledbsc.org
  4. Based on the request form, Jackie will work to recruit a proper and available PSSP. It sometimes takes weeks because we are responsible to have a criminal background check on them and verify their business license.
  5. Once a PSSP is confirmed, (if you have no SSP preference), Jackie and the PSSP sign a detailed agreement on fees, roles, logistics, and reimbursements. If you have PSSP preference, then the procedure would be little bit different. If Jackie is not able to get your preferred PSSP, she will then try to get someone else. She will ask for your approval prior confirming the PSSP.
  6. If there is no success in getting a PSSP 48 hours prior the assignment date, Jackie or Jelica will contact you and let you know. You may need to have a back up plan. We will then charge you for the administration fee only.
  7. After obtaining all completed paperwork, Jackie will contact you with the name of the PSSP and his/her contact information.vThat way PSSP and you can communicate directly if needed.
  8. After the assignment is complete, the PSSP will send an invoice to DBSC. DBSC will verify and pay the PSSP. Then DBSC will send the total amount owed, with administration fee to the vendor (you).
  9. If you find the PSSP unsatisfactory, please contact Jelica at jnuccio@seattledbsc.org within 48 hours, and file a compliant. Then Jelica will work on the dispute within a month.

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