Support Services for Deaf-Blind in N.C. Ashley Benton, LCSW, MSW Deaf-Blind Services Specialist Raleigh Regional Center Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

DSDHH has 7 Regional Centers All 100 counties are served.

DSDHH Positions Home Office Staff –Raleigh Regional Center Staff Regional Manager Deaf Services Specialist Interpreting Services Specialist Hard of Hearing Services Specialist Community Accessibility Consultant Telecommunications Consultant Office Assistant Deaf-Blind Services Specialist

Programs Services: Deaf Support Deaf Blind Support Hard of Hearing Support Interpreting Support Communication Support Equipment Distribution Emergency Preparedness Relay Services We Provide: Advocacy Consultation Information/Referrals Technical Assistance Communication Access Outreach Assistive Devices Resource Library

Deaf-Blind Self Advocacy Training

Equipment Distribution Services (EDS) You can choose one hearing aid OR one telephone device PLUS one alerting device

National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) It was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to comply with the 21st Century Video and Communications Accessibility Act DSDHH administers this program in N.C. through a partnership with DSB. Main purpose: DISTANCE COMMUNICATION Income-based and must be Deaf-Blind www.icanconnect.org

Other Services Division of Public Instruction (DPI): NC Deaf-Blind Project and Family Specialists Division of Services for the Blind (DSB)- Five Deaf-Blind Specialists Rehabilitation Center for the Blind Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) Southeast Reginal Rep. Marilyn Trader N.C. Deaf Blind Associates (NCDBA) Camp Dogwood Deaf-Blind Weekend Annual Conference

Support Service Providers are used all over the world. Origin of Support Service Provider term: American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) SSPs work with independent, autonomous adults who can direct their own lives and make independent decisions.

Support Service Providers (SSPs) Provides support that enhances the individual’s independence Has received specific training in deaf-blindness Assists in a variety of settings, provides transportation to and from events, assists with communication, sighted guiding, etc. Keeps all information confidential Is usually a volunteer Can provide opinion when asked

Roles of an SSP Provide visual information. Human Guiding Printed material Action in the environment Description of objects Human Guiding Transportation Facilitating communication in the community based on DB person’s needs.

SSP services in NC DHHS DB Employees NCDBA Volunteer Database Driver/SSP Vendor List (DSSPVL), contracted and paid for services NCDBA Volunteer Database Deaf-Blind individual request Deaf-Blind events

Interveners Usually work with children Sometimes work with Deaf-Blind adults with other disabilities Facilitates learning and skill development Teaching and doing with the individual Interprets, sighted guide, facilitator… Educates and shares info with the family and teachers

Intervener services in NC In the schools, intervener or support staff placed with a Deaf-Blind child Requires full assessment and must be on the IEP DD Services CAP/1:1 worker

Deaf-Blind Interpreting Incorporate visual information as well as auditory information May need to do sighted guiding Special consideration to clothing, background, lighting Need to avoid heavy perfume, lotion, jewelry

Haptic Communication

Training DSDHH/HKNC SSP Training Series, even years DSDHH/HKNC SSP Orientation: pre Camp and Conference DSDHH Deaf-Blind Interpreting Training Series DSDHH/HKNC Empowerment Through Touch (Haptics)

Sources http://www.aadb.org/information/ssp/white_paper_ssp.html American Association of the Deaf-Blind: SSP White Paper Morgan, S. (2001). What's my role? A comparison of the responsibilities of interpreters, interveners, and support service providers. Deaf-Blind Perspectives 9 (1). http://deafblindinterpreting.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Deaf-Blind_SPP1.pdf Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: Standard Practice Paper: Interpreting for Individuals who are Deaf-Blind

Questions/Answers Need more information? Please contact me at: Ashley.Benton@dhhs.nc.gov Phone: 919-741-4511