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Resources

Explore a collection of important documents and tools related to Support Service Provider (SSP) services, including roles and responsibilities, code of ethics, internal policies, and ASDB bylaws. You will also find helpful links and a glossary of terms to support understanding, accessibility, and connection within the DeafBlind community.

Hands Practicing Technique

Alberta Society for the DeafBlind advocates for the rights and empowerment of DeafBlind and hard-of-hearing-blind individuals.

Support Service Provider Role and Responsibilities

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Support Service Providers (SSPs) help DeafBlind individuals stay independent and connected to their community. They provide safe guiding, describe the environment, and support communication based on each person’s preferences. SSPs follow the direction of the DeafBlind person, empowering them to make their own decisions and access everyday activities, information, and social interactions.

SSP Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct 

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Support Service Providers help DeafBlind individuals stay independent, safe, and connected to their community. They provide guiding, describe environments, support communication, and empower DeafBlind people to make their own decisions. SSPs follow each person’s preferences, maintain confidentiality, act professionally, and promote autonomy while ensuring safety. They work collaboratively with interpreters and Communication Facilitators when needed, and follow ethical and professional standards in all interactions.

Internal Policies and Procedures for SSP Services 

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The Alberta Society of the DeafBlind (ASDB) provides guidance and funding for Support Service Providers (SSPs) to assist DeafBlind members with personal needs and daily activities. These services help DeafBlind individuals stay independent, safe, and connected to their communities.

This resource outlines:

  • How SSP services are allocated and booked

  • Member responsibilities for reporting and cancellations

  • SSP invoicing, performance expectations, and professional conduct

  • Guidelines for respectful, cooperative relationships between SSPs and DeafBlind members

  • Access to forms, timesheets, and templates for tracking services

For additional support, policies, and ASL summaries, ASDB provides documents, templates, and links to best practice guidelines from international DeafBlind organizations.

Associations & Organizations

These are national and international organizations that support DeafBlind communities, advocacy, and awareness.

Canadian National Society of the Deaf-Blind

CNSDB

Canadian DeafBlind Association

CDBA (Has provincial affiliates)

DeafBlind International

The World Association promoting services for deafblind people

American Assoication of the Deaf-Blind

AADB

Services
(Support Programs & Direct Support)

Organizations providing direct DeafBlind services, communication support, and community programs.

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SSP / Intervenor Instruction & Professional Resources

Training, standards, and educational materials for Support Service Providers (SSPs) / Intervenors.

Alberta Society of the DeafBlind

Canadian DeafBlind Association.

CNIB Deafblind Services

Intervenor Apprenticeship Training Program ManualTucker, J., & Gosciminski, M. (2013)

Comprehensive Training for Deaf-Blind Persons and Their Support Service Providers.

Nuccio, J. & Smith, T. (2010)

Canadian Deafblind Association

Intervention Principles (2005)

A-Z to Deafblindness

Gallagher, James. (2002). 

Service Support Provider –
SSP (Intervenor) Training Programs in Canada

Training, standards, and educational materials for Support Service Providers (SSPs) / Intervenors.

Douglas College (BC) Deafblind Intervention Certificate Program
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George Brown College (Ontario) Intervenor for Deafblind Persons Diploma Program
Interpreting Instruction Resources
Training, standards, and educational materials for Support Service Providers (SSPs) / Intervenors.ion Resources

The National (USA) Task Force on Deaf-Blind Interpreting (2008). Curriculum Guide for Infusing Deaf-Blind Interpreting into an Interpreter Education Program

National (USA) Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM) ASL-English and deafblind interpreting resources.

National (USA) Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers’ (NCIEC) ASL-English and deafblind interpreting resources.

(USA) Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Standard Practice Paper (2007). Interpreting for Individuals Who are Deaf-Blind.

World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (2012). Deafblind Interpreter Education Guidelines

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Studies

Bodsworth, S.M., Clare, I.C.H., Simblett, S.K. & Deafblind UK (2011), Deafblindness and mental health: Psychological distress and unmet need among adults with dual sensory impairment. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 29(1), 626. 

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