What is an Intervener?
March 2020
Knowing whether your child would benefit from the support of an intervener is a burning question for many families. Let’s start with the basics.
An intervener is a person who works consistently one-to-one with an individual who is deaf-blind to help them gather information, develop and use communication skills, and establish relationships.
The need for an intervener is typically determined during the development of a child or youth’s individualized education program (IEP). In school settings, they work under the supervision of a classroom teacher or other person responsible for implementing the IEP.
Resources
Intervener Services and Interveners in Educational Settings: Definition
A clear, succinct description of intervener roles, as well as teaming and training needs.
A Family’s Guide to Interveners for Children with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
A wonderful, comprehensive guide to interveners developed by parents of children with deaf-blindness.
Parent Perspectives on Interveners
Short video clips of four parents describing their children's experiences with interveners.
Are Intervener Services Appropriate for Your Student With Deaf-Blindness?: An IEP Team Discussion Guide
Helps teams review an individual student's access needs and how they are being met in four areas: information, communication, relationships/social interactions, and conceptual learning.
Interpreter or Intervener: Which Will Meet the Educational Support Needs of Your Child?
Scroll down the page. You'll find this one under archived webinars.