Visit our main SSP page to learn more about Columbus Speech & Hearing’s SSP/CN program and services.
Ohio Population of the DeafBlind
Deafblindness is a spectrum of combined vision and hearing loss. For most, vision and hearing continue to get worse over time.
DeafBlind struggle to communicate and navigate the world without two key senses. In Ohio, there are about 84,797 DeafBlind individuals, and this number is growing as the population ages.
What is an SSP?
A Support Service Provider (SSP) is a trained professional who assists DeafBlind (DB) individuals by providing environmental and visual information, mobility guidance, transportation, and communication support. SSPs are also known as Co-Navigators (CN).
SSPs/CNs do not make decisions for the DeafBlind individual. Instead, they facilitate independence and access for the DB person. An SSP/CN may use tactile signing, close vision signing, or other communication methods to relay details about surroundings, read printed materials, or assist with communicating with others.
