What about SSPs?

A Support Service Provider (SSPS) or Intervenor (Canadian/European terminology) provides different services than an Interpreter: Guiding, Describing, Transporting, Reading, assisting with Guide Animal.

➢ The SSP may be required to drive the DB Consumer from place to place (picking her up from her home, taking her to the organization meeting, and then returning her home).

➢ The SSP may guide the DB Consumer through the environment and help him find his seat during an appointment or event.

➢ The SSP may describe the environment, the items on the menu, or the items on the shelf at a store.

➢ The SSP may meet the DB Consumer at her home to read e/mail, communicate voicemails, etc. to her.

➢ The SSP may need to take the DB Consumer’s Guide Animal outside for bathrooming/walking.

Newer terminology is now calling this position a Co-Navigator, or CN. This change in terminology recognizes the independence and self-determination of each DB individual. The Co-Navigator demonstrates their allyship/solidarity by navigating “alongside” and with the DB individual, with the DB individual acting as the “driver” and decision-maker.

*Many DeafBlind (of older generations, above 30-40) may still use older terms like SSP when mentioning this job position.

Implications for ASL/English Interpreters?

Depending on the degree of visual loss and hearing loss, you will need to adjust your communication styles to match.

***The DeafBlind Consumer is ALWAYS THE MOST knowledgeable about what communication approaches/room setups/Interpreter Attire/Background/Lighting are most appropriate for him/her. Allow the DB Consumer to guide you. Check-in regularly for comprehension, clarity, and fatigue.

You ARE the Eyes, Ears, and other sense of the DB Consumer. But don’t be surprised when the DB Consumer is more attuned to their environment than you are! S/he may catch onto scents, lighting fluctuations, vibrations/noise, (and even air pressure!) before you do.

DB Interpreting requires knowledge of ASL, Signed English, Fingerspelling, reading lips, speaking-over/repeating what the DB Consumer voices, variant forms of signing/gesturing, typing/keyboarding skills, and FLEXIBILITY!!!

Work in teams!

If the DB Consumer wants Tactile ASL (TASL) – where their hands (one or both) are on top of yours as the interpreter, you will become fatigued more quickly than non-TASL Interpreting. Additionally, adding in visual information, placement of individuals, and who is speaking/interacting EVERY time also can be taxing on the interpreting process.

Relieve each other often/take turns more frequently

You will appreciate it. Your team interpreter will appreciate it. The DB Consumer will appreciate it.

Deaf-Blind Training, Interpreting, and Professional Development

DBI – DeafBlind Interpreting (National Training and Resource Center)

National Interpreter Education Center (NIEC) – DeafBlind Interpreting page

DeafBlind Citizens in Action (Facebook Group)

Southern California Association of DeafBlind (Facebook Group)

Helen Keller National Center (webpage)

"Feeling Through" (Movie Short, DeafBlind Actor)

National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) (FCC.gov)

"Meet The Deaf-Blind Lawyer Fighting For People With Disabilities" (Haben Girma, YouTube video, [04:52]) - former attorney with White House, under Obama