1. 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

2. DSDHH has 7 Regional Centers
All 100 counties are served.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Deaf-Blind Self Advocacy Training

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Haptic Communication

17. 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)

18. Sources
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).
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: Standard Practice Paper: Interpreting for Individuals who are Deaf-Blind

19. Questions/Answers Need more information? Please contact me at:
Phone: