Training

Interveners need training in deafblind-specific knowledge and skills in order to work effectively with individuals with deafblindness.

An online Intervener Training Program in deafblindness is available through Utah State University. Based on the National Intervener Competencies, the courses are designed to prepare paraprofessionals to work as interveners with children and youth who are deafblind. It can also be useful to teachers, parents, administrators, and adult service providers.

Options

  • Option 1: Students can take the training program in deafblindness that consists of two 4-semester credit hour classes to be offered in the Fall and the Spring. Undergraduate tuition is $275/credit hour with no out-of-state fees. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will be awarded a certificate of completion from USU. These courses can also be taken for graduate credit at $350/credit hour. (Note: Tuition rates are subject to change.)
  • Option 2: Students can take the coursework as part of an Associate’s Degree program in General Studies with a Focus in Deafblindness. This online program includes 30 semester hours of general education classes and 30 hours of coursework that includes the deafblind classes and other related topics. Undergraduate tuition is $275/credit hour with no out-of-state fees. (Note: Tuition rates are subject to change.) If interested in participating in this training, please contact: Linda Alsop, SKI-HI Institute, linda.alsop@usu.edu.
  • Option 3: Students can take the two-course training program on a non-credit basis for $110/credit hour with no out-of-state fees. (Note: Tuition rates are subject to change.) Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will receive a certificate of completion from USU. To register for non-credit, download the non-credit registration form and fax it to Attention Fran Payne at (435) 797-5580.  Students who complete the coursework on a non-credit basis are still eligible to obtain the National Intervener Credential.

Registration

Competencies

Intervener Competencies (PDF)

This document contains competencies for training Interveners to work with children/students with deafblindness. Competency levels of mastery are defined by both knowledge and implementation, organized under eight standards as follows:

What Every Special Educator Should Know (PDF)

These Intervener standards are from the CEC “red book” which includes the general standards for all paraprofessionals as specified by CEC. There are 10 separate standards which contain both knowledge and skill areas. They are the recommended standards for university and college intervener training programs.

  • Credential

    The need for Intervener training programs has long been recognized in the field of deafblindness. Although some local, state, and regional programs have been developed to address this need, there is a general lack of common standards, competencies, and practices among these training programs. The National Intervener Credentialing Program, administered through the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals and Related Service Providers (NRCP), establishes common standards, competencies, and practices in a way that is both rigorous and affordable. Administrators of local and state education agencies can be assured that students who have completed the NRCP-approved training, practicum, and credential process, have met standards that are rigorous and recognized beyond their local school, district, and state.

    Credentialed Interveners



    Requirements



    Credentialing Organization

    The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals and Related Service Providers (NRCP) (www.nrcpara.org) will issue this credential to those who meet the requirements. The mission of NRCP is to address policy questions and other needs of the field, provide technical assistance, and share information about policy questions, management practices, regulatory procedures, and training models that will enable administrators and staff-developers to improve the recruitment, deployment, supervision, and career development of paraprofessionals.

    Who to Contact

    Connie Beck
    National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
    connie@nrcpara.org
    (435) 797-7272

    Credentialing FAQs