VIDBE-Q Volume 67 Issue 4
After data collection, NCDB facilitated six 2-hour online discussion panels,
consisting of individuals with a strong interest in intervener services, to
consider what was learned from the information gathered. Participants included
state deaf-blind project personnel, university faculty, parents/guardians,
teachers, and administrators.
Scope of the Recommendations
The final ten recommendations were based on analysis and interpretation of
the data and insights gained from panel discussions. They addressed four goal
areas: recognition, training and support, families, and sustainability (see Table 1).
GOAL 1: Increase recognition and appropriate use of intervener services for
children and youth who are deaf-blind.
The two recommendations for this goal provide strategies to coordinate
efforts to improve the understanding and use of intervener services in the U.S. and
establish intervener services as a universally understood related service or early
intervention option. These recommendations are intended to raise awareness of the
value and purpose of intervener services among families and educators and
promote policies and practices that support intervener services for children who are
deaf-blind when an IEP or IFSP team determines they are needed.
