What is an Intervener?
An intervener is a professional with specialized training in deafblindness who supports students in gaining access to information, communication, and connection. Deafblind students experience the world in unique ways, and interveners help bridge gaps caused by combined vision and hearing loss—whether that’s making classroom activities accessible, supporting communication, or helping students understand and engage with their environment.
The role of an intervener is flexible and responsive. It’s shaped by the individual needs of each student, their IEP goals, and the context in which they learn. At its core, being an intervener means building a strong, trusting relationship with the student and using that relationship as a foundation for meaningful access and learning.
What I do
For me, this work is personal. I hold an Intervener Specialist (IS) credential and have worked as both an intervener and a teacher of blind students. My approach is rooted in respect, dignity, and the belief that all students—especially those with complex communication needs—deserve access that honors their autonomy and identity. I carry my intervener training into everything I do as a teacher, especially in how I support communication, build routines, and prioritize assent.