CoNavigators Handbook

CoNavigator Handbook

Gallaudet University CoNavigator Program

Updated: September 25, 2023

Note: Please contact us if you would like to review the below content in American Sign Language(ASL).

Dear CoNavigators:

Congratulations! You are now part of Gallaudet University’s CoNavigator Program, a coordinated support program designed to provide DeafBlind students with University-based support services. Formerly known as Support Service Providers (SSP), CNs empower DeafBlind students by increasing their physical and communication access to facilitate their participation within the spectrum of their Gallaudet experience.

When DeafBlind students have increased access to various aspects of the University experience, it, therefore, emphasizes the importance of their inclusion within the community. DeafBlind students are empowered to make autonomous decisions for themselves based on the environment and social information provided and navigated through the CN, leading to greater community access and connections with the academic, social, and cultural experiences on campus.

On behalf of Gallaudet University and the Office of the Dean for Academic & Career Success, our sincerest welcome is extended to you. Your efforts bring a whole new perspective to the world of accessibility and inclusion.

This CoNavigator Handbook contains important information about our Program, including our Mission Statement, as well as other policies that govern our Program. Please review this Handbook carefully.

We are looking forward to working with you! Please feel free to share your thoughts with us!

Best,
Jennifer Tuell
Accessibility Resource Coordinator

Introduction:
A CoNavigator (CN) is a trained professional who provides support by relaying visual and environmental information to a person that is DeafBlind. CNs serve an important role in ensuring that our DeafBlind students can access various locations, resources, and events on campus as well as any pre-approved academic-related functions off-campus through serving as a guide and communication facilitator.

This CoNavigator Handbook (“Handbook”) provides CNs with information on the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. Gallaudet University (the “University”) reserves the right to make any changes to this Handbook, including changes to ensure transparency and clarity.

Purpose of CoNavigator Program:
The purpose of the CoNavigator Program (“Program”) is to ensure that DeafBlind students are empowered to maintain their independence and have access within the University campus community life. Under the oversight of theAcademic & Career Success at the University, the Program provides resources and services that enhance DeafBlind students’ active and independent participation.

Examples of how CNs support DeafBlind students under the Program include, but is not limited to:

• guiding the individual from point A to point B on campus;

• conveying environmental and visual information from their surroundings;

• facilitating communication between parties;

• serving as a human guide to provide access on campus for traveling to and from class; dining, sporting events, and other on-campus related activities;

• relaying visual and environmental information, and

• in providing services, be helpful but objective, supportive yet empowering, sparing in expressing their personal preferences while providing services

CNs providing services under the Program do NOT provide the following types of services (this list is not exclusive):

• services off-campus with an exception for academic-related requests with special approval (such as field trips or internships);

• interpreting;

• personal care;

• mentorship; or

• a social network for recreational purposes.

If you are unclear about the roles and responsibilities of a CN, please reach out to us.

Orientation and Training:
Once approved to serve as a CN, the Accessibility Resource Coordinator works with you to establish a date for specialized training to work as a CN. The Coordinator will respond to any questions you may have regarding your role and function as a CN. CNs are required to receive training with respect to the role and function of the CoNavigator during orientation. CNs will also receive training on important policies and procedures, including those in this Handbook and University policies.

Orientation for new incoming CNs is provided at the beginning of each academic semester, including the summer. Orientation introduces information including the roles, responsibilities, and specific policies to abide by as a CoNavigator. During the orientation, CoNavigators can ask questions regarding clarification of their roles and responsibilities.

Mandatory training occurs every other month for new and current CoNavigators: In the Fall semester, training takes place in October and December. During the Spring semester, training is in February and April. Topics of these training will cover a wide spectrum of topics including ethics in working as a CoNavigator, guiding principles, and autonomy as in respecting DeafBlind individuals and their privacy. Please note that CNs must be current with their training in order to be considered eligible to receive assignments.

CoNavigator Program Policies

Service Hours:
The number of service hours a CoNavigator may be assigned to work each month will vary and there is no guarantee that a CN will be assigned any service hours. However, a CN may not be assigned to work more than 20 service hours a week.

The number of service hours a DeafBlind student receives varies depending on their needs and is determined by priority based on the nature of the event or activity for which services are being requested, scheduling, and availability. DeafBlind students must provide a minimum of 72 hours notice prior to requesting services unless an urgent situation arises. Any service request made with less than 3-5 business days’ notice may not be fulfilled, depending on the availability of CNs. However, the more advance notice that is given, the more likely a request will be filled.

CoNavigator Assignments:
Information about available assignments will be emailed to CNs whose profile is determined to be compatible with the assignment. The CN is responsible for responding to confirm their acceptance of an assignment or decline the assignment via email as soon as possible. Information about a possible assignment may be sent to multiple CNs at a time and the assignment will be given to the first eligible CN who responds with their acceptance.

The CN receives a calendar invite once they are assigned to a request. The calendar invite must be confirmed before continuing with the assignment. Failure to timely accept the calendar invite may be interpreted to be the equivalent of declining the assignment.

If the CN has any questions or concerns regarding an assignment, the CN should reach out to the Accessibility Resource Coordinator to request clarification.

Communication Between CoNavigators and DeafBlind Students:

1. The Accessibility Resource Coordinator will share the name(s) of the assigned CN through email based on the requests made by students on an ongoing basis or one time request.

2. The CN that is matched with the student is added to the email so that the student can contact them directly regarding specific logistics.

3. The Accessibility Resource Coordinator must be kept copied on all emails between the student and the CN regarding the assignment.

Scheduling Changes:
If, after accepting and confirming an assignment the CN becomes unavailable or has to cancel an assignment for any reason, it is the responsibility of the CN to inform the Accessibility Resource Coordinator immediately.

If a CN fails to provide advance notice for their inability to work after three instances, the CN must meet with the Accessibility Resource Coordinator to discuss the next steps. This will aso occur if there is a consistent amount of accepting/confirming assignments and then canceling. Consequences include possible termination of the CN’s service contract.

While DeafBlind students have the autonomy to decide to change their mind on whether they want to attend an event or participate in an activity for which they have requested CN services, not notifying the program coordinator in a timely manner causes stress to the operational and procedural functions of the Program. Thus, if a DeafBlind student does not provide notice at least 24 hours in advance 3 times in one academic year, they will be required to meet with the Accessibility Resources Coordinator to discuss the next steps. Consequences may include suspension of their continued participation in the Program.

Verifying & Submitting Hours:
CNs are responsible to clock in when first meeting with a student on an assignment and clock out when completing the service. If a CN is unsure how to utilize the Workday system or if any issues with payments arise, they should contact us.

If there is an issue with the Workday system, the CN can contact us with the exact dates and times worked. It is important to be sure your hours are correct at the end of each week.  If not, please email them immediately so there is no delay in your check payment.

Cancellation Policy
If there is a cancellation that is less than 24 hours from the scheduled event and the cancellation was not due to the CN, the CN may be asked to consider being transferred to another assignment that is similar in scope, duration, and time to the original request and assuming there are no other conflicts. If there are no other alternative assignments, the CN will be paid for the originally scheduled event. If the CN declines a scheduled assignment, they will not be compensated for the assignment.

Personal Expenses:
During the course of providing CN services to a DeafBlind student, CNs are responsible for their own personal expenses, such as food and beverages. While CNs reserve the right to decide when they will purchase food/drink for themselves, good professional judgment should be used in deciding when to make such purchases and should not interfere with the student’s ability to participate in the activity or event.

Transportation for Students:
At no time may CNs use their own vehicles or otherwise offer or agree to provide transportation services to the DeafBlind students they serve.

CNs may meet the student on campus at the bus stop as needed or requested.

CNs may guide DeafBlind students to the shuttle stop on campus and wait with the student for the shuttle to arrive but are not permitted to ride off-campus with the student as part of providing CN services except when specifically approved in advance by the Accessibility Resource Coordinator for academic purposes (internship and field trips for class).

CoNavigator Pairing with Multiple Students:
Under the usual CN service guidelines, students and CNs should expect to work on a one-on-one basis. However, we recognize that there will be times when two or more DeafBlind students may attend the same event but only one CN may be necessary to provide support. In those instances, and upon written authorization from the Accessibility Resource Coordinator and the agreement of all individuals involved, one CN may provide support for both students at a single event.

Program Evaluation:
Both students and CNs will participate in an ongoing program evaluation at the reasonable request of the Accessibility Resource Coordinator. This is done to ensure the effectiveness of the procedures concerning students and CNs. This may include attending one-on-one meetings with the Accessibility Resource Coordinator and CN evaluations may take place during mid-semester.

Abuse of Services:
In cases of repeated or gross misuse of Program resources or procedure violations, a review of the matter will be conducted to determine what corrective action must be made for the student or CN to continue giving/receiving services. The Accessibility Resource Coordinator, in collaboration with the Dean of Academic &Career Success, will conduct this review and submit a corrective action plan.

Once it has been made known that inappropriate behavior or misuse of resources has occurred, a written statement will be provided to the individual for comment. After the case has been reviewed by the Accessibility Resource Coordinator, the individual will be provided a written statement regarding this situation and the future actions that will be taken. Upon the second inappropriate behavior or misuse of resources, the individual will be required to attend a meeting with the Accessibility Resource Coordinator and the Dean of Academic & Career Success to discuss the next steps. Upon the third inappropriate behavior or misuse of resources, the individual may no longer be eligible to receive/provide services.

Drugs and Alcohol:
Illicit drugs or alcohol shall not be consumed while on assignment or at any time that would affect the CN’s ability to provide services as a CN.

Confidentiality:
CNs must maintain the highest level of respect and professional conduct regarding confidentiality and privacy of the assignment details and of information they may receive about the DeafBlind student during the course of providing CN services.

Contact Information:
Questions about the Program should be directed to us.

Questions about payment or Workday Issues should be directed to the Administrative Assistant.

Rights, Roles, and Responsibilities for CoNavigators

This section outlines the rights, roles, and responsibilities of CNs.

Rights:

1. CNs may refuse any task or assignment that they are not comfortable performing, that presents a conflict of interest, or presents an actual or potential violation of law, University policy, or ethical code of conduct.

2. CNs report to the Accessibility Resource Coordinator within the division ofAcademic & Career Success. CNs are not under the supervision or control of the student.

3. CNs are permitted a 15-minute break for every two continuous hours of work.

4. CNs are discouraged from working more than six (6) hours/day and/or 20 hours/week. Standard work days/times are Monday – Friday (except when the University is closed) between 8 AM and 8 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless otherwise noted.

Roles and Responsibilities of CoNavigators:

• Serve as a human guide for the DeafBlind student to navigate around the campus.

• Relay visual and environmental information for the student in the student’s preferred language and communication mode, which may include translating information in written English to ASL and for describing the environment as needed.

• Be helpful but objective, supportive yet empowering, and sparing in expressing their personal preferences while providing services.

• Take the route preferred by the student unless there is a legitimate reason to take an alternative route. If an alternate route is taken, the CoNavigator should make a reasonable effort to orientate and prepare the student to lessen any stress or confusion.

• Remain impartial, maintain confidentiality, and be prepared to work in a variety of on-campus settings.

• Maintain high professional standards by continuous attendance at relevant and appropriate training through workshops as required or recommended by the Accessibility Resource Coordinator.

• If any conflict of interest arises, which includes the development of a romantic relationship with a DeafBlind student, CNs are required to disclose that relationship or conflict to the Accessibility Resource Coordinator and be reassigned to another DeafBlind student. Failure to disclose may result in termination of the CN’s service contract.

The following services are NOT expected of CoNavigators:

• Providing rides for the DeafBlind student;

• Performing chores such as housekeeping, maintenance, repairs, gardening, moving furniture;

• Providing personal care services such as bathing, grooming, cooking, etc;

• Teaching or instructing students;

• Making decisions for the student with one’s own opinions, talking for, or volunteering information to the student;

• Handling the DeafBlind’s student money in any way, including use of the student’s credit/debit cards, ATM cards, checkbooks, and cash;

• Providing any sort of personal, marital, or relationship counseling or advice;

• Administering medications of any kind;

• Running errands for the student;

• Interpreting extensively or providing communication access in settings that would normally require the use of a professional interpreter (medical, legal, business, or other settings); or

• Replacing the roles of other professionals, including personal care attendants, teachers, and interpreters.

CoNavigators Who Are Also Certified Interpreters:
While there may be times that a CN possesses additional qualifications and is able to perform interpreting services, the CoNavigator Program IS NOT an interpreter service. A CN, who is also a professional interpreter, should be careful to differentiate which role they are assuming in any particular situation. CNs are responsible for facilitating communication for the DeafBlind student, not to translate or interpret information.

CoNavigators as Communication Facilitators in Informal Situations:
The CN may act as a communication facilitator in private, low-risk situations. In these cases, with mutual agreement between all parties involved, the CoNavigator may facilitate communication.

Other Information:
CNs are strongly encouraged to refrain from disclosing extensive personal information (e.g., where they live, who they live with, etc.) about themselves that goes beyond their roles as CNs. However, it is at the discretion of the CN to determine how much information they are comfortable disclosing to the student.

Grievance Procedure:
Any complaints or concerns should be brought to the attention of the Accessibility Resource Coordinator either in person or in writing.

If a CN has any problems or concerns with the DeafBlind student, first, talk to them directly and explain your concerns. Work together to address any concerns that may arise.

1. If your one-to-one meeting does not resolve the problem, you may contact the Accessibility Resource Coordinator and request a meeting to discuss concerns.

2. If the situation has not been resolved even after the one-to-one meeting, request a meeting with the Dean of Academic & Career Success

3. The Dean of Academic & Career Success will meet with you and then provide a written response and action plan in an attempt to resolve the issue.