VIDBE-Q Volume 67 Issue 4
training or preparation. In some states, paraprofessionals have been trained through
workshops, conferences, in-service activities, and/or short-term technical
assistance. However, these methods of training have been very diverse and have
not generally yielded consistency of competence or implementation with children
and youth with deafblindness. As the intervener practice has become more
recognized, understood, and valued, it has become evident that these
paraprofessionals need deafblind-specific training.
Each aspiring Intervener will undoubtedly choose the training path that fits
their individualized needs and goals. There are several benefits to taking the path
of training through a university/college intervener training program.
(1) This path is systemically recognized as the foundation for professions (i.e.
Interpreters, Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O&M), Speech Language
Pathologists (SLPs), etc.).
(2) State and local systems are more inclined to recognize the value of coursework
through higher education.
(3) Universities/colleges have structures in place with checks and balances to
ensure the quality and sustainability of training programs. They have:
• An approved level of rigor.
• A process for ensuring that instructors and supervisors are qualified.
