VIDBE-Q Volume 67 Issue 4
• Families may initiate due process proceedings in an effort to obtain
intervener services for their children who are deafblind.
Recommendations for the future:
• Although intervener services are not currently listed as a related service in
IDEA, the service can be written into a student's Individual Education
Plan. The list of related services in IDEA is not exhaustive, and services are
to be based on the needs of the student who is deafblind.
• Many SDPBs report that they are hopeful that the role of the intervener will
be included in the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) as a related service.
• Have discussions around intervener training, which will streamline the
process and contribute to a common understanding of the training options.
• Develop incentives to attract individuals to become trained interveners, with
competitive pay that will help retain those interveners in the field.
• Qualified personnel (e.g., interveners and teachers of the deafblind) will be
available in the field of deafblindness.
• Early Childhood programs will implement intervener services with young
children who are deafblind, and place a strong focus on communication
development at an earlier age.
