Announcements

Support Service Provider (SSP) Program

Do you:

  • Have both vision and hearing loss?

  • Struggle with your basic needs such as food shopping and doing errands?

  • Live in an area that has limited public transportation?

  • Want to shop for gifts without your friends or family members with you?

  • Want to go to social events?

  • Want to go to the gym to work out or go for a walk?

  • Need support going to your medical appointments?

If you answer yes to the above, you may be eligible to receive SSP services from us.

The DeafBlind Service Center’s SSP program which gets funds from the state through the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing and provides DeafBlind (DB) individuals in WA state the opportunity to do things independently with trained SSPs giving support by driving the DB to places, guiding them when walking, and giving visual/environmental information. 

This can include:

  • Grocery shopping and errands

  • Medical Appointments

  • Basic banking or self-care

  • Material reading

  • Drop off/pick up at the airport

If you need SSP services or have questions about the SSP program, contact Jessica Phillips, SSP Coordinator at:

Email:  ssp@seattledbsc.org  ~ VP: 206-452-0062

 

Telecoils Technology Announcement – PDF

Exciting Announcement!

The Washington State Legislature passed the ESSB 5179 bill that requires Apple Health (Medicaid) to cover free hearing aids. The program will start on January 1st, 2019.

See the terms and conditions below:

  • ·       Individuals must be 21 years of age and older.

  • ·       They will be eligible to receive one new hearing aid every 5 years.

  • ·       A second hearing aid when specific criteria are met.

  • ·       Repair and replacement of hearing aids.

  • ·       Hearing aid related services and supplies.

  • ·       Repairs to external components of cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) devices.

If you would like more information about free the hearing aid program, click here: https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/apple-health-medicaid/adult-hearing-benefit . You can also contact any of the case managers at the DeafBlind Service Center for assistance in obtaining free hearing aids or for more information about the program. Attached are two PDF documents. One with pictures and one without. If you would like a text version in a different format, please contact our Administrative Assistant, Heather, at: info@seattledbsc.org.

We have more exciting news to share for hearing aid buyers! There are two new technologies available for those who use a hearing aid. Refer to the PDF at the top of the page for more information.

Searching for Support Service Providers (SSPs)

Do you have some free time and want to earn some extra income? Do you have some skills in ASL, guiding skills or interested to learn? Do you have an interest in a different profession or join the Deaf-Blind community?

If you answer yes to the above, WE NEED YOU!!

Deaf Blind Service Center (DBSC) is searching for potential candidates to work as sub-contracted SSPs with our Deaf-Blind clients in the following areas:

  • King County

  • Pierce County

  • Thurston County

Training will be provided. Must be able to pass background check and get a business license. Must have a car.

If interested, contact our SSP Coordinator: ssp@seattledbsc.org.