Witnesses urge permanent funding for Vermont’s support service program for people who are deaf-blind

Renee Pellerin, a DeafBlind resident of Waterbury Center, told the House Committee on Human Services on Oct. 12 that H.143, a bill to establish a support service program for people who are deaf-blind, would sustain a service she said has restored independence for participants.

“As a blind person and a deaf person, it is even more difficult to communicate with the general population,” Pellerin said, describing how the program helps with communication, navigation and transportation. She said the SSPs provide “environmental cues” and “haptics” that allow her to shop, attend appointments and participate in community events.

The testimony came from both people with lived experience and the contractor managing Vermont’s pilot program. Corey Bruner, senior vice president for Vancro, the contractor operating the pilot, told the committee the program serves people with dual sensory loss who otherwise rely on family, friends or inconsistent volunteer supports.

“This is why the SSP program is important,” Bruner said, describing SSPs as professionals who serve as sighted guides and provide “visual, social, and environmental description of surroundings and providing transportation access.” She said Vermont’s pilot has been funded by a mix of federal COVID-relief dollars,…