Overview
San Francisco State University and California Deafblind Services (CDBS) collaborate to offer this online, university-based training program to prepare paraeducators to effectively serve learners who are deafblind (i.e., a child who is both deaf/hard of hearing and blind/visually impaired). Interveners are paraeducators with specialized knowledge and skills in deafblindness. Trained interveners allow school districts and agencies to effectively meet the unique individualized support needs of students who benefit from intervention services.
Over the course of two semesters, students will engage in an online course of study using the rigorous and nationally recognized Open Hands, Open Access: Deaf-Blind Intervener Learning Modules. Students will complete the modules asynchronously, with three synchronous class meetings each semester.
Course instructors are deafblind specialists from California Deafblind Services, which is based at SF State. Upon successful completion of both courses, each participant will receive a university certificate of completion and nine SF State continuing education units (CEU).
Recruitment Criteria
- Only paraeducators, or those training for paraeducator or intervener positions, are eligible for this program. Teachers or others holding professional certification or credentials will not be admitted. This program is not intended for general training in deafblindness for families. Your state deafblind project can provide you with information about available training in deafblindness for families and teachers/specialists.
- Desire to work with and support individuals with deafblindness
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Commitment to 2.5 hours of module participation per week for the two semesters
- Basic internet skills, knowledge of computer functions and ability to use online communication tools (email, video conferencing and online learning platform)
Benefits
- High-quality professional development for the paraeducator
- Increased knowledge and skills for the paraeducator regarding the use of evidence-based practices for learners with deafblindness
- Support staff that meet Council for Exceptional Children paraeducator competencies in the area of deafblindness
- University certificate of completion of the SF State/CDBS Intervener Training Program