Ethics, Role, & Power IChapter 4.1.4

Overview• Ethics is the harness placed on power

so that it is not abused.• Power is a good thing but it is…

powerful. Therefore, it can be misused to hurt people.

• This presentation applies the principle of a harness to the role of SSP.

SSPs and EthicsThe common principles of professional ethics apply:• Maintaining good boundaries• Maintaining confidentiality and

respecting privacy

• Being honest with and about money

• Doing your job well

• Avoiding a conflict of interest

GOOD BOUNDARIES

SSPs and ControlThe most common ethical breaches are:1. Taking over control as in making

decisions or doing tasks for a DB person.

2. Being less than diligent in doing the work (e.g. just guiding and not providing visual information, being late).

Taking Over - Examples• Jenne reports asking an SSP to take a

particular route to the store as it was shorter, but the SSP argued with her and then refused to go the way Jenne wanted.

• Nancy went with her SSP to look for a backpack, but the SSP said she could not see one. Nancy asked the SSP to ask a clerk, but the SSP refused.

Other Common Errors 3. Taking care of their own needs at the

expense of the DB person (and the work).

4. Answering for the DB person.5. Trying to fill several roles at the same

time (conflict of interest).

Own Needs - Examples• Some SSPs make side comments or

talk to others without including the DB person.

• An SSP might ask the DB person “Do you mind if I do a little shopping for myself at the same time?”

Boundaries & Informal Situations

Informal vs. Formal• One of the factors that blurs boundaries

and results in unethical practice is the fact that SSPs work in informal environments.

• SSPs sometimes seem to be participating rather than working.

Informal vs. Formal, cont.• We often chat or have off-line

conversations with the DB person in between or intermixed with strictly SSP exchanges.

For Example• If the SSP is working on a recreational

excursion (e.g. a hike), the SSP and DB person will undoubtedly chat.

• If the DB person stops for a coffee break after shopping, again, the two will chat.

• Is this work time or social time? It should be clear and the boundary kept: friend or SSP?

Informal Setting

Informal Setting, cont.• Even if the SSP and DB person enjoy

each other’s company this does not mean you are friends.

• On the other hand, if you are primarily a friend who sometimes helps out – this is not being an SSP; it is helping out a friend.

Informal Setting, cont.• There are times when SSPs appear to

be “doing nothing”. What they are doing, of course, is ‘standing by’.

• This might make it feel as if it would be fine to squeeze in some of your own tasks, but while on duty as an SSP, this is a conflict.

Standing By

CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY & HONESTY

Confidentiality• Of course, you will keep confidential

any information you learn while working as an SSP, such as how the DB person spends their money, how much money they have, what kinds of things they buy, and so on.

• Given how few DB people there are in any community, the less said, the better.

Privacy• Privacy goes beyond confidentiality.• As an SSP, you will often be in the

home of a DB person. Of course, you will not snoop while you are there.

• If you need to use the restroom or move any of the DB person’s things, be sure to ask.

MoneyMoney is often involved in the tasks a DB person does with an SSP. This may include banking and reading mail (including bills), which gives the SSP access to important information. It is therefore critical that the SSP be honest and trustworthy about money.

Honesty• The SSP must be honest about

reporting hours.• Being honest means being sure you are

qualified when you accept a job.• Being honest means arriving on time

with energy and focus, ready to work.

Life-Long LearningWhile there are currently no certifications for SSPs or requirements for ‘CEU’ credits, a sense of ethics mandates on-going learning and improvement. Take what you learn from DB people and apply it; take what you learn from interpreters and apply that. Support and teach each other.

CONFLICTS

Biases• You must be aware of your biases and

attempt to be honest in your reporting of what you see in as unbiased a way as possible.

• If you are very religious or very political, a health buff and so on – as an SSP, keep your opinions (and values) to yourself.

Role Conflict• In many areas of the country there are

not enough resources for DB people and others are often called on to help out.

• Family members, friends, colleagues, and even vocational counselors may be asked to help as an SSP.

• Helping is good but the role of SSP is distinct.

Role Conflict (cont.)• When there is a conflict, the helper may

offer too much help, their own opinions or judgments.

• Being a good counselor or advocate, and being a good SSP will come in conflict.

Conclusion Having good ethics is a matter of:• being conscientious, • using good judgment, and• exercising self-discipline.

Good ethics are simple. They are not difficult to understand, but they are very difficult to maintain.