Support Service Provider (SSP) Program

SSP Program - Overview

The Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization located in the heart of the Capitol and First Hill neighborhoods in Seattle.  The SSP Program began in 1986 as one of our key programs and through the years has become our signature service, providing as it does for cultural exchange and friendships as well as practical help for DB people.  SSPs, who are not interpreters, are contracted to provide visual and environmental information on a regular basis so that DB people can retain their independence.

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What is an SSP?

Support Service Providers, or SSPs, are trained, sighed guides and providers of visual and environmental information so that DB people can go about their banking, shopping and do essential errands independently. The SSP provides this visual and environmental information so that the DB person can make informed choices and decisions and so that the DB person can participate in the wider (mainstream) Community.  SSPs are typically sighted people who may be either hearing, deaf, or hard-of hearing.  SSPs must know communication modes and techniques used by DB people, usually including American Sign Language.  DB people often consider deaf people their natural allies, having had many of the same experiences and feelings while growing up.  Deaf SSPs are always a part of our pool.  Sign language students often become SSPs as a way to learn about the Deaf-Blind Community, being both paid and rewarded with learning.  Many students enjoy the work so much that they remain connected with Deaf-Blind individuals and the community after graduation, continuing to work as SSPs or volunteer for Community events. 

While interpreters or interpreting students may work as SSPs, SSPs are not interpreters. Communication assistance often occurs for short exchanges, but this assistance is limited. SSPs do not ‘facilitate communication’ for important transactions such as the translation of a lease, or the discussion prior to making large-purchase; this would require a professional interpreter.  The emphasis of SSP work is on visual and environmental (not verbal) information.

Paid Contractors

SSPs are not employees of DBSC but are paid, independent contractors who commit to a regular monthly schedule to assist the same Deaf-Blind person.  The schedule might be weekly or bi-weekly (twice a month).  Currently, Deaf-Blind people who qualify for SSP services receive the same amount of hours each month. Typical activities include: grocery shopping, mail reading, simple banking, and errands. SSPs are paid an hourly rate depending on skill, experience and the tasks they are assigned to do. Gas/mileage and any necessary parking fees are paid by the DB person.

Volunteers

Volunteer SSPs are used for all kinds of DBSC sponsored recreational activities, including the annual DBSC picnic, and fundraising events.  SSPs sometimes volunteer for social purposes, such as chatting, playing games, or trying out a new restaurant.  This may be regularly scheduled or a one-time agreement for special events.

Workshops

DBSC offers various workshops for SSPs such as:

• Deaf-Blind Orientation,
• Deaf-Blind Culture,
• Communication Modes,
• Guiding Techniques,
• Empowerment/boundaries, and
• Being an Ally. 

For more information on the roles and duties, expenses, and policies, of this program, email the SSP coordinator at ssp@seattledbsc.org.  We encourage interested SSPs to begin as a volunteer, becoming more familiar with the necessary skills, before diving into more complicated, paid work.

If you would like to become an SSP please fill out this application and send it in! Click here for info about the National Support Service Provider (SSP) Pilot Project. Contact the SSP Program at 206-323-3644 VP/TTY or by e-mail at ssp@seattledbsc.org.