Ethics, Role & Power II Chapter 4.2.2

Overview In Chapter we discussed the basic tenets of ethical behavior as an SSP. This presentation addresses some of the significant external pressures SSPs face that make maintaining ethical behavior difficult.

PRESSURES BUT NOT EXCUSES

Outside Pressures The SSPs who breach ethics are sometimes responding to outside pressures. Being an SSP is difficult and it is not yet an established role. Good training is not readily available for SSPs or for DB people on using SSPs. The lack of other resources may tempt an SSP to try and do too much.

Difficult Role SSP work is difficult and is often not properly respected by others. It takes concentration, observation and on-going communication. It is serious work. It is not simply providing sighted guidance.

Difficult Role, cont. Yet many others incorrectly think of it as simply being a driver, being a companion or providing chore service; this may influence the SSP’s attitude. It sets very low expectations and standards.

Volunteer Many SSPs are volunteers, as only a few cities and states have regular SSP programs established. As an SSP/volunteer an SSP may feel they are “not really working”. Here too, standards and expectations may be too low.

LACK OF RESOURCES

Lack of Training & Models for SSPs There are not enough good training opportunities for SSPs. There are a lack of good models for SSPs.

Lack of Training & Models for SSPs, cont. Some service agencies reinforce the idea that a DB person is to be ‘taken care of’ rather than to be given information. Some service agencies think of the DB person as a ‘client’ rather than the person ‘in charge’.

Lack of Training for DB People DB people also have not been trained how to take control and use SSPs effectively. They may feel obligated to the SSP for help and afraid to assert themselves. When they do assert themselves, they may be shut down.

Lack of Other Resources There may be a lack of other resources, such as advocates, interpreters, counselors and so on who are competent to work with DB people. The SSP, seeing the need and having no one to whom they can refer the DB person, feels pressure to take on those roles as well. Indeed, they may be encouraged to do so.

ISOLATION

Long Term Isolation Many DB people are still isolated; long- term isolation leads to falling further and further behind in information with which to make good decisions. Long-term isolation also prevents the development of fluid communication skills. All this makes the DB person “slow,” which puts pressure on the SSP.

Time & Pace It may seem that the DB person is not capable of making good decisions. It may seem faster and more efficient if the SSP simply does the task, answers the question asked by the hearing person, or makes the decision rather than taking the time to communicate clearly and thoroughly.

SSP Isolation When an SSP is isolated without good training, it is easy to form bad habits (unethical habits). These unethical habits are sometimes reinforced by others who (aware or not) are prejudiced in their view of DB people.

Positive Changes Fortunately, DB people are beginning to form organizations, associations and Community so they will be less isolated. Fortunately, more and more people are interested in learning how to be SSPs and interpreters for DB people. With good SSP service DB people will be less isolated.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Conflict of Interest - Interpreter It is not a conflict of interest for the same professional to act as an SSP and as an interpreter if they have the skills to do so. Not all SSPs have the skill to interpret. Not all interpreters have the skill to be a good SSP. The issue is skill.

Conflict of Interest - Friend It is not an inherent conflict to SSP for a friend, but over time it becomes a conflict. As an SSP, the sighted person will gain personal information about the DB person which is one-way and not reciprocated. Friendship should be complementary and equal; however the SSP-client relationship is not equal.

Conflict of Interest - Friend The DB person may begin to think of their friend as primarily an SSP. They may want to attend the same event and not be clear which role the friend/SSP will have. Is the sighted person going as ‘herself’ or as an SSP? The two friends must talk about it, make a choice and both be clear.

Conclusion It is helpful to be aware of the influences that affect our ethical choices. As there are more communities of DB people and more resources for DB people, the role of SSP will also come to be better understood. This will have a positive effect on SSPs as well.