Washington Sensory Disabilities Services (WSDS) is collaborating with Central Michigan University (CMU) to provide training and a credential for becoming a deafblind intervener.

Training Design:
The training, which runs from Fall to Spring includes:

    • Online course of study, hosted by faculty at CMU
    • Coaching and consultation from a WSDS Deafblind Project mentor
    • WSDS will provide a limited number of scholarships covering tuition costs for WA State professionals
    • CMU Program Flier (PDF)

Scholarship Candidates will need:

  • To provide one-to-one support to a child with deafblindness
  • Have the support of administrators and the child’s educational team to participate in the training

Participant Responsibilities:

  • Complete WSDS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
  • Ask your supervisor/administrator to write a letter of support
  • Commit to complete the course of study, including all assignments
  • Participate in three onsite coaching sessions with WSDS Deafblind Project mentor

Applications for the 2022-2023 cohort has closed.

Important Dates Tasks
March 21 Application process opens for Washington State paraeducators and braillists
May 2 Deadline to submit application and required documents
May 9-13 Committee review
May 16 Scholarships awarded – applicants notified
May 27 Applicants must confirm acceptance of scholarship award
June 3 Applicants must apply to CMU
August 2022 CMU course begins

National Definition of Intervener Services in Educational Settings:

Interveners, through the provision of intervener services, provide access to information and communication and facilitate the development of social and emotional well-being for children who are deafblind. Intervener services are provided by an individual, typically a paraeducator, who has received specialized training in deafblindness and the process of intervention. An intervener provides consistent one-to-one support to a student who is deafblind (ages 3 through 21 or as mandated by state regulations) throughout the instructional day.

Read the entire NCDB article (PDF)