Dear Senator:

I am a deaf-blind resident of (state).  I am writing to ask for your help in recognizing support service providers (SSPs) as a needed service for myself and for deaf-blind people around the nation.  Support service providers are specially trained people who provide visual and auditory information for people like me who cannot hear or see well.  For example, I have a hard time seeing prices on food items at the food store.  An SSP would really help me because the SSP could tell me the food prices and I can decide what to buy.  The problem is that my state does not have any SSPs (or very few SSPs).  I often have to rely on my family or friends to help me out

The American Association of the Deaf-Blind is introducing language that defines what an SSP is and how important SSPs are for deaf-blind people.  The language is:

"The Committee asks the Department of Labor (or Dept of Health and Human Services) to support the efforts of Support Service Providers (SSPs). SSPs relay visual and environmental information, act as sighted guides and facilitate communication for people who are deaf-blind, using the deaf-blind person's preferred language and communication mode. SSPs enable deaf-blind persons to access their communities and connect with other people, reducing communication barriers that otherwise would result in social isolation, incapability to live independently, and inability to participate as citizens within
mainstream society."

This language is the first step towards recognizing SSPs nationwide as a profession and to provide this needed service for deaf-blind people around the country. I want you to introduce the language to different Appropriations Committees, including the Departments of Labor, Health and Education.

Thank you for your interest and support,

Sincerely,