Helen Keller, the most well-known individual with deafblindness in the United States, benefited from constant one-to-one services provided by Anne Sullivan. Although not called an “intervener”, Sullivan gave Helen access to information about people and things in her environment. This was critical to her ability to learn, communicate, and function in the world. Today, students who are deafblind can receive the same services that Helen Keller received from individuals with training and specialized skills in deafblindness. These individuals are called interveners.
Who Interveners Are
This individual focuses on consistently assisting individuals with deafblindness. They exclusively communicate with these individuals to ensure effective interaction. Additionally, they have specialized training and expertise in understanding and supporting those with deafblindness, allowing them to offer optimal assistance and support.
What Interveners Do
The Intervener holds a key role in enabling children with deafblindness to access environmental info usually acquired through sight and sound, even when those senses are limited. They also help develop communication skills—both understanding and expression. Moreover, the Intervener builds a trusting, interactive relationship to enhance the child’s emotional and social well-being.
This website will provide an array of information to help you understand what an intervener is, what their role is, and how they can change the life of a child who is deafblind.
