Independence With Out Fear

Independence With Out Fear

The Iris Network, the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Late Deafened, the University of Southern Maine Linguistics Department, Helen Keller National Center and consumers have been meeting for over a year to develop a Support Service Provider (SSP) Program for people, in the State of Maine, who are deaf-blind/dual sensory impaired. This program has been named, "Independence With Out Fear."  The mission of this program is to recruit, train and maintain a database of specially trained volunteers who can facilitate communication for people with significant vision and hearing impairments.

People with dual sensory impairment are often frustrated with the day-to-day communication we take for granted.  Some examples are:  shopping for a pair of shoes, selecting a particular outfit, participating in their child's school or extra-curricular activities, participating in a support group and in general, integrating into their communities.

Volunteers will complete a required training program where they will learn the human guide technique, how and when to provide "descriptive information," communication with someone wearing hearing aids, finger spelling and limited signs.  An SSP cannot replace a licensed, qualified interpreter.  All legal and medical situations require licensed, qualified interpreters under the law.

Anyone interested in becoming a Support Service Provider volunteer or needing the services of an SSP should contact Nancy Melanson, at the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Late Deafened.

Telephone:  207-623-7958
TTY:  888-755-0023
Nancy.A.Melanson@Maine.gov
www.maine.gov/rehab/dod
Nancy Melanson
150 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333