What makes a good SSP and a good Deaf-Blind consumer?

Mark Gasaway and Susan Lascek

Excerpted from The Deaf-Blind American, April-June 2003

Webmaster: These comments are the result of a written survey (Braille and large print), which was sent to deaf-blind attendees of the 2001 Georgia's Deaf-Blind Access of the South Camp. Generally, an SSP (Support Service Provider) is a person who guides a DeafBlind people and assists them in some task such as shopping, eating at a restaurant, reading mail, or attending a meeting. Although interpreting is usually not included in this role, the AADB Convention combines the roles of interpreter and SSP under the label of SSP.

What makes a good SSP

Attitude
stained glass bulletBeing helpful
stained glass bulletBeing patient
stained glass bulletBeing willing to adapt
stained glass bulletHaving a good positive attitude
stained glass bulletBeing flexible
stained glass bulletEstablishing trust and friendliness
stained glass bulletBeing willing to help

Time
stained glass bulletBe available to work

Skills and knowledge
stained glass bulletWear right color clothing (contrasting with skin tones)
stained glass bulletInterpreters who also do SSP duties
stained glass bulletProvide all information to deaf-blind consumer when shopping so that the consumer can make his own decisions
stained glass bulletFollow what deaf-blind consumers says
stained glass bulletHave basic communication skills
stained glass bulletHave information on Deaf-Blind culture
stained glass bulletDescribe the environment
stained glass bulletGive orientation to new environment
stained glass bulletHave clear voicing skills
stained glass bulletDon't mumble
stained glass bulletDon't use perfume
stained glass bulletDon't abandon the deaf-blind person
stained glass bulletRespect privacy; money is private
stained glass bulletDon't influence deaf-blind to purchase things

Transportation (O&M)
stained glass bulletProvide transportation Use good sighted guide techniques

Other issues
stained glass bulletSometimes Vocation Rehabilitation may pay for training
stained glass bulletMore workshops to train SSPs
stained glass bulletScheduling of SSPs
stained glass bulletKnowing how to contact SSPs
stained glass bulletState should train SSPs
stained glass bulletSSPs should be paid

What makes a good Deaf-Blind consumer

Attitude
stained glass bulletDon't be overly dependent on SSP
stained glass bulletBe willing to participate and be active
stained glass bulletEnjoy and have fun
stained glass bulletLearn from others
stained glass bulletBe patient
stained glass bulletDon't be demanding
stained glass bulletHave a positive and good personality
stained glass bulletBe friendly and kind

Skills and knowledge
stained glass bulletBe assertive
stained glass bulletAdvocate for self
stained glass bulletHave a Deaf-Blind identification card
stained glass bulletHave good communication skills
stained glass bulletBe a good role model by paying for lunch and/or gas
stained glass bulletDon't use perfume
stained glass bulletHave a list of SSPs
stained glass bulletKnow what you need
stained glass bulletNegotiate time

Speak up
stained glass bulletAsk for assistance
stained glass bulletExpress yourself
stained glass bulletReach out to other deaf-blind people

Other issues
stained glass bulletGood with computers
stained glass bulletBe a member of AADB to get directory of SSPs

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