[nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution

[Kerri Kosten]

Hi Janice and Everyone:

I am glad this resolution passed.
Though I have enough hearing that I don't need to use a SSP, I am glad
to see the organization passing resolutions that help the deaf-blind.
Kerri

On 11/11/13, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>     Hi Everyone,
> I will paste the Maryland State SSP Resolution for 2013 as Passed Below:
>
> Regarding the creation of a statewide Support Service Providers Program
> for deaf-blind people
>
> WHEREAS, Deaf-blind people rely on Support Service Providers (SSPs) to
> facilitate communications, and to provide environmental and situational
> information so that they can participate in all aspects of community
> life, thereby reducing reliance on family members and friends for these
> tasks; and
>
> WHEREAS, the SSPs are not responsible for providing personal care or
> serving as interpreters as required by law at legal and medical
> appointments, i.e., SSPs must serve only as facilitators, not decision
> makers; and
>
> WHEREAS, Maryland currently has a few regional programs that supply SSPs
> to deaf-blind residents who live in certain designated localities,
> leaving many deaf-blind individuals with no assistance; and
>
> WHEREAS, these regional programs vary in the quality and extent of
> services available; and
>
> WHEREAS, the purpose of the Maryland Department of Disabilities is to
> coordinate services and to advance the rights and interests of people
> with disabilities so they may fully participate in their communities; and
>
> WHEREAS, the Maryland Department of Disabilities is the right agency in
> Maryland state government to create a statewide Support Service
> Providers Program; and
>
> WHEREAS, service programs are most successful when the consumers who use
> the service play an integral part in the planning and development of the
> program: NOW, THEREFORE,
>
> BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in
> Convention assembled this tenth day of November, 2013, in the city of
> Ocean City, Maryland, that this organization strongly urge the Maryland
> State Department of Disabilities to create a plan with input from
> stakeholders that leads to the enactment of a statewide Support Service
> Providers Program so that all deaf-blind Maryland citizens may fully
> participate in all aspects of community life; and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization strongly encourage the
> Maryland Department of Disabilities to immediately begin planning for
> this program so that it can be included in the Governor's 2016 budget.
>
> Sincerely,
> Janice
> Secretary
> Deaf-Blind Division/NFB
>