Support Service Providers (SSP)

2002-0327

GUIDELINES: Practical Tips for Working and Socializing with Deaf-Blind People, Smith, Theresa B. -- Sign Media, Inc: 2002, 288.  This second edition of Guidelines includes expanded chapters on topics such as tactile sign language, interpreting, conversation and physical environment.  New information and more examples are included.  Three new chapters include: Support Service Providers; Authority, Power and Control; and Meetings.  The book is intended for people who know Sign Language, who are already experienced in "deafness" and in interacting with Deaf people, and who want to know more about "deaf-blindness" and interpreting for Deaf-Blind people.  Professional interpreters, student interpreters, and anyone who wants to communicate and/or work more effectively with Deaf-Blind people will benefit from reading this book.   May be ordered from Sign Media, Inc., 4020 Blackburn Lane, Burtonsville, MD 20866.  Phone:  (800) 475-4756.  Cost: $24.95  Publisher's web site:  http://www.signmedia.com  

2006-0008

GUIDING TASKS FOR INTERPRETERS WORKING WITH DEAF-BLIND TRAVELERS, Bourquin, Eug. 2005.  This article includes specific techniques and guidelines for human guides working with travelers who are deaf-blind. The author is certified in O&M, interpreting and low vision.   VIEWS, Vol. 22, #11, December 2005, pp. 17-13

1993-2170

INDEPENDENCE WITHOUT SIGHT OR SOUND: Suggestions for Practitioners Working with Deaf-Blind Adults, Sauerburger, Dona. -- American Foundation for the Blind: 1993, 194. This book was written to help service providers in working with persons who are deaf-blind.  There are numerous examples from actual experience and discussions of practical applications.  Sections on service needs, communication, orientation and mobility, sensory deprivation and a survey of dog guide schools.   Available from:  AFB Press, Customer Service, P.O. Box 1020, Sewickley, PA  15143.  Phone: 800-232-3044.  Fax: 412-741-0609.  Cost: $39.95.  Specify print or braille.  

2001-0177

INTERDEPENDENCE WITH OUR VALUABLE SSPS, McNamara, Jamie. 2000, 5.  This article is excerpted from a speech given by Jamie McNamara at the Missouri Deaf-Blind Association’s 7th Anniversary Dinner, April 15, 2000. Presents the concept of interdependence versus independence and the role of support service providers (SSPs).  Discusses SSP issues and how to identify problems and brainstorm solutions.  Identifies a few ideas to get started on how to find SSPs, and keep them.   DEAF-BLIND AMERICAN, vol. 38, #4, July-September 2000, pp. 31-36.

2005-0384

INTERPRETING AND WORKING WITH DEAFBLIND PEOPLE, Bar-Tzur, David. / theinterpretersfriend.com. 2000, 9.  Offers advice to interpreters working with persons who are deafblind. Covers four areas: meeting and negotiating needs, communication, guiding, and interpreting. Online version has links to additional information.  Publisher's web site:  http://www.theinterpretersfriend.org  This document is available on the web at: http://www.theinterpretersfriend.org/pd/ws/db/text.html 

2000-0058

UNDERSTANDING SSP SITUATIONS: Workshop Proceedings, Thomas, Laura J. (moderator) 1998.  An outline of workshop discussing improving relationships between SSPs (Support Service Providers) and deaf-blind consumers in working and playing; learning how to express wants and needs to each other; and developing skills in respecting one another's opinions and suggestions.  DEAF-BLIND AMERICAN, vol. 37, #1, 1998, pp. 6-7.

2004-0220

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SSP AND A GOOD DEAF-BLIND CONSUMER, Gasaway, Mark; Lascek, Susan. 2003, 5.  The information in the article was compiled from deaf-blind consumers and Support Service Providers (SSP) at Georgia's Deaf-Blind Access of the South camp.  It includes lists developed by participants on what makes a good SSP and what makes a good deaf-blind consumer.  The section on a good SSP includes attributes such as attitude, time, skills, transportation, and other issues.  The section on a good consumer includes attitude, skills and knowledge, and speaking up.  The article gives specifics on each attribute as well as information on how the lists were developed.   THE DEAF-BLIND AMERICAN, vol. 42, #2, April-June 2003, pp. 23-28.

2003-0210

"WHAT'S MY ROLE?": A Comparison of the Responsibilities of Interpreters, Intervenors, and Support Service Providers, Morgan, Susanne, M.A., C.I., C.T. -- Teaching Research Division: 2001, 3.  This article compares and contrasts the various roles and responsibilities of interpreters, intervenors, and support service providers. It compares each in table form in a variety of categories.  Categories range from age of clients, ethics, certifications required, confidentiality issues, and professional training.  Publisher's web site:  http://www.tr.wou.edu/tr/dbp/pdf/sept01.PDF   DEAF-BLIND PERSPECTIVES, vol. 9, #1, Fall 2001, pp. 1-3. 

2010-0207

Providing and Receiving Support Services : Comprehensive Training for Deaf-Blind Persons and Their Support Service Providers, Nuccio, Jelica; Smith, Theresa B. --Seattle Deaf-Blind Service Center: 2010, 293. This curriculum is designed to be used to train support service providers (SSPs) and to train deaf-blind people to work with SSPs.  It defines an SSP as an individual who is trained in communication (typically ASL) and sighted-guide skills, who accompanies a deaf-blind person, providing visual information and casual interpreting in the performance of personal responsibilities, in social situations, and during travel.  The curriculum consists of three modules containing lessons for SSPs and two modules containing lessons for deaf-blind persons. The curriculum is available for a free download from the Seattle Deaf-Blind Service Center: http://seattledbsc.org/visualweb/SSPCurriculum.html.