The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR) / DSBVI is seeking a skilled and motivated Support Service Provider (SSP) - Sighted Guide for the deafblind to work in either Utah County, the north ...
The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR) / DSBVI is seeking a skilled and motivated Support Service Provider (SSP) - Sighted Guide for the deafblind to work in either Utah County, the north ...
Support Service Provider
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$19.79/hr
Relay visual and environmental information that a sighted-hearing individual would normally have access to. Serve as a guide while walking to ensure safety, assist with reading, errands, basic ...
Support Service Provider
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$19.79/hr
Relay visual and environmental information that a sighted-hearing individual would normally have access to. Serve as a guide while walking to ensure safety, assist with reading, errands, basic ...
Support Service Provider
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$19.79/hr
Relay visual and environmental information that a sighted-hearing individual would normally have access to. Serve as a guide while walking to ensure safety, assist with reading, errands, basic ...
Support Service Provider
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site
$19.79/hr
Relay visual and environmental information that a sighted-hearing individual would normally have access to. Serve as a guide while walking to ensure safety, assist with reading, errands, basic ...
Sighted Guide information
What is a sighted guide?
Sighted guides are individuals who assist people who are blind or visually impaired in navigating their environment safely and efficiently. They use specific techniques, such as guiding by the arm, to help direct and protect the person they are assisting. Sighted guides are trained to communicate clearly, describe surroundings, and anticipate obstacles, ensuring a comfortable experience for the person being guided. Their support can be essential in unfamiliar or busy environments, as well as in everyday activities.
What skills and qualifications are needed to be a sighted guide?
To thrive as a Sighted Guide, you need a solid understanding of guiding techniques, awareness of mobility safety, and basic knowledge of visual impairment, which is often gained through specialized training or certification. Familiarity with orientation and mobility tools, as well as first aid certifications, is typically expected. Exceptional communication, patience, and empathy are essential soft skills to support and reassure individuals with visual impairments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, confidence, and independence of those being guided.
What challenges do sighted guides face and how are they addressed?
Sighted guides often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar or crowded environments, maintaining clear communication, and adapting to the individual preferences of those they assist. To address these, guides receive training in effective guiding techniques, including verbal cues and tactile feedback, and learn to anticipate and respond to the needs of the person they are guiding. Team collaboration is also important, as guides frequently coordinate with mobility specialists, family members, or event organizers to ensure safe and seamless experiences.
What is the difference between Sighted Guide vs Orientation and Mobility Specialist?
| Aspect | Sighted Guide | Orientation and Mobility Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | May include training in guiding techniques, certification varies | Typically requires certification in orientation and mobility, such as COMS |
| Work Environment | Assisting individuals in public, indoor, and outdoor settings | Teaching mobility skills, assessments, and training in various environments |
| Industry Usage | Commonly used in community and personal assistance | Used in rehabilitation, educational, and clinical settings |
While both roles support individuals with visual impairments, a Sighted Guide primarily assists by providing physical guidance during mobility, whereas an Orientation and Mobility Specialist offers comprehensive training to develop independent travel skills. The specialist's role is broader, involving assessment and instruction, while the Sighted Guide focuses on immediate assistance.
How to be a sighted guide?
A sighted guide assists individuals with visual impairments by providing verbal descriptions, guiding them safely, and offering support in navigating environments. Key skills include good communication, spatial awareness, and patience; training or certification in guiding techniques can enhance effectiveness. The role often involves working in various settings such as public spaces, events, or daily activities.
What are popular job titles related to Sighted Guide jobs in Utah?
For Sighted Guide jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sighted Guide jobs in Utah look for?
The top searched job categories for Sighted Guide jobs in Utah are:
Full-time
Posted 12 days ago
Job description
Come work for the most caring division in the state! We help increase independence, community integration and productivity for the blind and visually impaired.
The Mission of the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DSBVI) is to assist individuals in achieving their highest level of independence, participation in society and employment consistent with individual interests, values, preferences and abilities.
The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR) / DSBVI is seeking a skilled and motivated Support Service Provider (SSP) - Sighted Guide for the deafblind to work in either Utah County, the north section of Salt Lake County, or the south section of Salt Lake County.
A Support Service Provider performs the following tasks:
- Encourages community integration, increases the level of independence and supports the rights of deafblind persons to have unrestricted access to their environment.
- Relay visual and environmental information that a sighted-hearing individual would normally have access to.
Serve as a guide while walking to ensure safety, assist with reading, errands, basic banking, recreational activities and transportation. - Assist in learning about opportunities available in their area, attend trainings and practice skills.
- May receive up to 29 hours a week; hours worked will depend on the number of clients within the caseload.
- Provide transportation for clients/consumers in a private vehicle and when available support the client's use of the public transportation system to carry out the duties of a SSP.
- American Sign Language (ASL) skills are preferred for the positions in Salt Lake County; it is required for the Utah County position.
- Available during business hours, Monday - Friday.