Support Service Provider Program
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The video opens with a solid gray background and “Louisiana Commission for the Deaf” in all caps and thick white font. The Louisiana Department of Health logo appears below. A Black male with curly black hair and facial hair appears on screen, and he is wearing a white button-up top in front of the same gray background. He is using American Sign Language. Various words appear on the screen that he repeats in ASL. At the end of the video, a website link is shown in large white font with a blue background: www.ldh.la.gov/lcd. The Blue 20 animated logo appears on the screen and fades to black. End of video.
A Service Support Provider (SSP) is a trained guide who works one-on-one with a person who is both d/Deaf and blind to communicate information. They act as a visual guide to help their client perform everyday activities. SSPs provide information about a person’s physical and social environment via tactile sign language or other methods of communication. This ensures DeafBlind individuals are able to fully participate in activities in their community and live with more self-confidence.
Here are a few examples of the types of services an SSP can provide:
🤝 Supporting Communication: SSPs are skilled in adapting to your preferred mode of communication – whether it’s sign language, tactile communication, or speech. They break down communication barriers, ensuring you can engage with others effortlessly.
🌍 Navigating Your Environment: SSPs provide essential information about your physical surroundings. They’ll let you know how many people are nearby and where they are located, helping you navigate confidently.
😃 Relaying Social Cues: SSPs are your eyes and ears when it comes to social situations. They describe the mood of people in the area, helping you connect with those around you on a deeper level.
🚗 Everyday Independence: Need to run errands like grocery shopping? Your SSP is here to assist. They’ll drive you to and from the store, guiding you as you select items, ensuring you maintain your independence.
Eligibility Requirements
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The video opens with a solid gray background and “Louisiana Commission for the Deaf” in all caps and thick white font. The Louisiana Department of Health logo appears below. A Black male with curly black hair and facial hair appears on screen, and he is wearing a white button-up top in front of the same gray background. He is using American Sign Language. Various words appear on the screen that he repeats in ASL. At the end of the video, a website link is shown in large white font with a blue background: www.ldh.la.gov/lcd. The Blue 20 animated logo appears on the screen and fades to black. End of video.
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) provides SSP services to Louisiana residents who are DeafBlind as defined by US legislature. Eligible participants will have:
👁️ Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in their better eye with corrective lenses or a visual field defect.
👂 Chronic hearing loss so severe that most speech cannot be understood.
🤕 Extreme difficulty in doing daily life activities, participating in social activities, or getting a job on their own.
If an individual cannot have their hearing and vision properly measured, but they have severe hearing and visual disabilities that make it extremely difficult to be independent, they may still be eligible for the program.
Accessing Services
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The video opens with a solid gray background and “Louisiana Commission for the Deaf” in all caps and thick white font. The Louisiana Department of Health logo appears below. A Black male with curly black hair and facial hair appears on screen, and he is wearing a white button-up top in front of the same gray background. He is using American Sign Language. Various words appear on the screen that he repeats in ASL. At the end of the video, a website link is shown in large white font with a blue background: www.ldh.la.gov/lcd. The Blue 20 animated logo appears on the screen and fades to black. End of video.
If you believe you are eligible for SSP services, contact your local Regional Service Center (RSC)*. They will make sure you qualify and set up an appointment to go over the details of services. Consumers are given a set number of hours per month to use depending on need and the goals of each person. Additional hours may be approved by LCD upon request.
* Please note that the RSC in Region 9 has permanently closed and Lighthouse Louisiana will temporarily provide services for this area to ensure there is not an interruption in services. Visit our News page for more information.
Becoming a Support Service Provider (SSP)
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The video opens with a solid gray background and “Louisiana Commission for the Deaf” in all caps and thick white font. The Louisiana Department of Health logo appears below. A Black male with curly black hair and facial hair appears on screen, and he is wearing a white button-up top in front of the same gray background. He is using American Sign Language. Various words appear on the screen that he repeats in ASL. At the end of the video, a website link is shown in large white font with a blue background: www.ldh.la.gov/lcd. The Blue 20 animated logo appears on the screen and fades to black. End of video.
Anyone interested in becoming and SSP can contact their local Regional Service Center (RSC). All SSPs must meet the following requirements:
👤 Be at least 18 years of age.
💬 Able to accommodate a consumer’s communication preference. This includes sign language, tactile communication, speech, print, Braille, technology, etc.
🕵️♂️ Pass a background check (no criminal record).
🚗 Have a valid driver’s license.
📋 Have current car insurance that includes liability insurance (this only applies to those who will drive
consumers as part of their SSP role).
Support Service Provider Contractor Responsibilities
📖 Read the Service Provision Manual for the current requirements.