09/24/2025
Starting next month! Get your registration in for our upcoming Intervener Training Series 2025-2026!
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. The intervener supports communication between the child and others, provides access to information and the environment, and facilitates opportunities for learning and development.
What Is the Importance of an Intervener?
Combined hearing and vision loss creates unique and complex challenges. These challenges primarily involve communication, language, concept development, and social and emotional access and development. An intervener responds to these challenges by serving as a bridge to the world for the child who has verified combined hearing and vision loss (deafblindness).
Oct. 24-25, 2025: Introduction to Deafblindness and Intervention
Carolyn Monaco, Intervener Trainer
Nov. 14-15, 2025: Hearing and Vision Loss, Impact of Deafblindness
Kim Simshauser, Teacher of Blind/Visually Impaired
Jan. 16-17, 2026: The Power of Touch
Lindsey Hegg, Teacher of Blind/Visually Impaired
Feb. 6-7, 2026: Concept Development
Carolyn Monaco, Intervener Trainer
March 6-7, 2026: Communication and the Learner Who Is DeafBlind
Nancy Steele, DeafBlind Educational Consultant
April 10-11, 2026: The Importance of Self-Determination and Relationships
Emma Mayes, Teacher of Developmental Cognitive Disabilities
Location:
USD Sanford School of Medicine, Center for Disabilities
1400 W 22nd St, Room 105
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Fridays – 5:00 to 9:00 pm (Dinner at 4:30 pm)
Saturdays – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (Lunch provided.)
Contact: Amy.scepaniak@usd.edu, SD DeafBlind Project Director, for more information.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intervener-training-series-2025-2026-tickets-1325637660929?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&fbclid=IwY2xjawNA3RhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrKkGywzFcKixg4stBDj5v7d35MkplTc5r4zTggEW33SsSg_vRXs30fU0kR7_aem_4QGxBDPAEJx60jlQeqef4A