Program Overview

Intervener Training: Deafblind Education

The Intervener Training: Deafblind Education program is a two-semester online certificate offered by San Francisco State University and California Deafblind Services. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support learners who are deafblind.

About the Deafblind Intervener Program

Through this two-semester online program, students will understand the role of the intervener in supporting learners who are deafblind, learn strategies for building communication, trust, and positive self-image, and explore how students who are deafblind access and process information.

What You Will Learn

Students will:

• Understand the role of the intervener in supporting learners who are deafblind
• Learn strategies for building communication, trust, and positive self-image
• Explore how students who are deafblind access and process information
• Practice evidence-based techniques for pacing, sensory support, and concept development
• Gain skills to use routines and calendar systems that improve access, anticipation, and language learning
• Apply the principle of "Do with, not for" to encourage student independence

Who Should Enroll

This program is designed for paraeducators or those preparing for paraeducator or intervener positions. It is not open to teachers or others with professional certification or credentials, and it is not intended as general training in deafblindness for families.

Admission Requirements

To enroll, students should have:

• A strong interest in working with individuals who are deafblind
• A high school diploma or equivalent
• The ability to commit at least three hours per week for two semesters
• Basic computer and internet skills, including email, video conferencing, and online learning platforms

Certificate Curriculum

The Intervener Training: Deafblind Education program takes place over two semesters. Students will complete ten learning modules from the nationally recognized Open Hands, Open Access Deafblind Intervener Learning Modules, including nine required modules and one elective. These modules are aligned with all seven Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards for paraeducators working with individuals who are deafblind.

Semester One: SPED 9100

Overview of Deafblindness & the Role of the Intervener (4.5 CEU) In this course, students will gain the background knowledge needed to support learners who are deafblind. Topics include:

• The role of the intervener in educational settings
• Instructional strategies that build communication and trust
• Sensory systems and how students who are deafblind access information
• Factors that influence active engagement in learning

Semester Two: SPED 9101

Intervener Practices for Learners Who Are Deafblind (4.5 CEU) This course builds on semester one and focuses on practical intervener strategies. Topics include:

• The intervener motto, "Do with, not for"
• Pacing and sensory processing
• Communication exchanges and systems
• Supporting concept development through routines and calendar systems

Cost and Length

• Cost: $480 ($240 per class)
• Length: 8 months (two semesters)
• Start Term: Fall

Certificate of Completion

When students successfully complete both semesters, they will earn a certificate of completion and nine continuing education units (CEU). To receive the certificate, students must submit the Certificate of Completion Request Form.