Deaf Intervener demonstrating the ASL sign for intervener.  Because this is a relatively new field and people may not understand the word, it may be helpful in new situations, to introduce the sign by beginning with the signs for deaf and blind, then fingerspell intervener, then the sign as shown here.  It is not necessary to include Deaf + Blind + fingerspelled intervener after introducing the sign.

For several years, interveners from the National Intervener & Advocate Association Leadership Board have been discussing the need for a standardized ASL sign for Intervener.  The group reached out to interveners and Deaf individuals from across the United States through social media, asking for their ASL sign for intervener.

People from across North America shared their signs.   A few used, I-V dominant hand on the open –  flat –  palm up –  non-dominant hand (signed like social worker).   But the majority used signs that included two index fingers representing the individual who is deafblind and the intervener.  There were several iterations, but the sign in the video is the most widely accepted and used.

Handshape: both hands in a one handshape, palms facing away from your body, with index fingers touching.
Location: in front of chest
Movement:  both hands move away from your body – twice
Representation: two people walking side by side representing the ‘do with and not for’ philosophy