About this Event
What Is an Intervener?
An intervener is a trained paraprofessional staff member who works one-on-one with a child who has combined hearing and vision loss (deafblindness) to provide critical connections to other people and the environment. Under the direction of licensed staff, the intervener supports communication between the student and others, provides access to information and the environment, and supports and facilitates opportunities for learning and development. This training provides instruction that includes hands-on activities, simulation, presentations, and group activities focused on understanding deafblindness and providing strategies for interventions to implement with their students.
What Is the Importance of an Intervener?
Combined hearing and vision loss creates unique and complex challenges. Often the student with deafblindness has limited or no access to the learning environment or people, so the intervener provides accessible opportunities. Without the support of an intervener, a DeafBlind student might not be aware of, or understand, concepts, vocabulary, relationships, and language.
F riday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM dinner provided
Saturday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM lunch provided
October 23-24, 2026: Introduction to Deafblindness and Intervention
Minnesota DeafBlind Project Team
November 13-14, 2026: Hearing and Vision Loss, Impact of Deafblindness
Kim Simshauser, Teacher of Blind/Visually Impaired
January 15-16, 2027: The Power of Touch
Lindsey Hegg, Teacher of Blind/Visually Impaired
February 12-13, 2027: Concept Development
Kim Simshauser, Teacher of Blind/Visually Impaired
March 5-6, 2027: Communication and the Learner Who Is DeafBlind
Nancy Steele, DeafBlind Educational Consultant
April 9-10, 2027: The Importance of Self-Determination and Relationships
Emma Mayes, Teacher of Blind/Visually Impaired
UNDERGRAD and GRAD credit(s): 1 credit for Fall 2026 and 3 credits for Spring 2027
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Center For Disabilities, 1400 West 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, United States
USD 250.00
