Support Service Provider (SSP) Program & Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program

The Support Service Provider (SSP) program provides 18-72 hours per quarter of support to eligible DeafBlind consumers. A trained SSP can support a DeafBlind consumer in many ways, including access to visual, situational, and environmental information. This may include transportation, guide/orientation to surroundings, and facilitating communication with others. SSPs are trained to ensure the DeafBlind consumer is empowered to make their own decisions. They can communicate however consumers are most comfortable (spoken English, ASL, tactile sign language, or another method). If you are interested in receiving SSP support or sending a referral for a consumer, please reach out to DeafBlind Programs.

Please refer to the guidelines below for information about the SSP Program.

The Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Program supports DeafBlind people in learning how to travel safely and independently.

  • Orientation means knowing where you are and understanding your surroundings.
  • Mobility means being able to move safely and efficiently from one place to another.

The goal of the O&M program is to support DeafBlind people’s independence and confidence while traveling and navigating different environments.

SSP Program Guidelines

Open the DeafBlind Consumer Guidelines (Google Doc) Open the Large Print DeafBlind Consumer Guidelines (Google Doc) Open the Support Service Provider Guidelines (Google Doc)

Role, Responsibilities and Code of Ethics of O&M Specialists

O&M specialists work with DeafBlind people to support them in learning to travel safely and independently. They do this by:

  • Providing assessments to understand what skills the person might need to develop.
  • Creating a travel training plan.
  • Teaching basic travel skills, like using a white cane, traveling with a guide dog, or moving safely in familiar areas.
  • Educating people on people to learn how to use buses, trains, and other community transportation

O&M specialists believe that being able to move independently is vital for a person’s growth and independence. They are committed to helping each person reach their full potential.

O&M specialists agree to follow a professional Code of Ethics. CDDHHDB uses the Code of Ethics from the book Foundations of Orientation and Mobility, Third Edition, Appendix A: “Code of Ethics for Orientation and Mobility Specialists.”

Qualifications of O&M specialists

O&M specialists must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be able to use the DeafBlind person’s preferred way of communicating.
  • Pass a background check (no criminal record).
  • Have a valid driver’s license.
  • Have professional liability insurance.
  • Be an approved vendor in good standing.
  • Have a current O&M certification, such as the ACVREP COMS certification.

O&M specialists must also keep their certification active by completing continuing education classes.

How to Request O&M Training

  • The consumer contacts either the DeafBlind Programs Coordinator or an O&M specialist directly to ask for services.
  • The O&M specialist reaches out to the consumer to talk about their goals and set up a time for training.
  • The DeafBlind Programs Coordinator checks to make sure the person meets the eligibility requirements as DeafBlind. If approved, the DeafBlind Programs Coordinator will notify the O&M specialist and share the consumer’s contact information.
  • Either the consumer or the O&M specialist shares the training schedule with the Scheduling Team. A confirmation email will be sent to the O&M Specialist and the DeafBlind consumer.

Program Contact:

Email: dbp.cddhhdb@state.co.us

Phone: 720-457-3679

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