An intervener is a designated related service provider who works one-on-one with an individual who is deafblind. The intervener is specially trained.
Key Roles and Skills of an Intervener
- Models and supports receptive and expressive communication and language development.
- Builds concepts and increases conceptual understanding.
- Provides access to environmental information that sighted and hearing peers receive naturally.
- Builds and maintains a trusting and interactive relationship.
- Assists in establishing relationships with others.
- Promotes social and emotional development.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction offers guidance on school-based interveners and how they support students who are deafblind. It explains how interveners help students learn, communicate, and participate with their peers, and how schools can include interveners in a student’s IEP to ensure they have the support they need.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) recognizes interveners as a related service for a child who has combined vision and hearing loss. (Letter to McDowell)