SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDERS
7.0 SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDERS
AADB depends a great deal on the volunteer services of Support Services Providers (SSPs).  These SSPs provide guiding, transporting, and interpreting.
7.1 GENERAL POLICES FOR SSPs
* SSPs shall provide services to members when needed.
* SSPs and the members to whom they are assigned should express their wants and needs to each other, and respect each other’s opinions and suggestions.
* SSPs should wear upper apparel (shirt, sweater, etc.) that is a solid color which contrasts with the color of the skin.
7.2 POLICIES REGARDING SSPs AND BOARD MEETINGS
* An SSP should be available during the meetings for each Board Member who needs one.  Additional SSPs should be available to provide relief when needed; these relief SSPs should have skills in using different communication methods.
* SSPs should also be available to assist Board Members outside of the meeting when needed (for meals, guidance to restrooms, etc.), and may sometimes be needed when the meeting is finished for the day (for example, at restaurants).
* Board Members may bring to the Board meetings one SSP who is familiar with the Board Member’s preferences for communication, language, and regional signs.
* AADB will reimburse travel expenses, room accommodations, and meals for SSPs accompanying members on AADB business.  Section 5.2.3 above on page 38, provides the procedures for reimbursements.
7.3 POLICIES REGARDING SSPs AT AADB CONFERENCES
* SSPs are the “eyes and ears” of deaf-blind delegates at AADB Conferences.  The following general policies are applicable to all AADB conferences: 
* Persons with limited vision and hearing cannot be SSPs for deaf-blind delegates.  The reason behind this is that these people are “deaf-blind” themselves so it poses a liability and fairness issue for deaf-blind to be SSPs to other deaf-blind. 
* Children and youth under the age of 18 cannot register as SSPs.  SSPs and local workers are not allowed to bring their children to the conference for the simple reason that they will not be able to supervise their children and work with deaf-blind delegates at the same time. 
* In the event that a delegate and SSP wish to go off site on their own, to an activity that is not part of the AADB conference, AADB is not liable for injury or damages that may incur. 
* No activities are scheduled between the times of 4:00-5:00 PM and beyond 10:00 PM in order to be respectful of SSPs’ need for break and rest.  If the delegate wishes to continue to be active during these times, the delegate needs to check with the SSP to see if they are ok with this and reach an agreement on how long, what time, where or find another SSP who doesn’t mind going with the delegate.  AADB can not enforce the SSP breaks but encourages the delegates to be respectful of SSPs’ need for breaks.  
7.4 SSP COORDINATOR
NOTE:	We need to have the role and responsibilities of the SSP Coordinator.