Spotlight on Stephanie Garrett who is an Intervener

Stephanie Garrett working with Ivey who is deafblind.

As an Intervener I have learned so much from the on-going training I have received in deafblindness and also from working hands-on with Ivey on a daily basis. Building a trusting relationship with Ivey was the most important part of being her Intervener. Being an Intervener and the bridge to Ivey’s world has opened up so many communication opportunities that otherwise may have not been possible.

Ivey has hearing loss and is completely blind with complex communication needs that require a trained Intervener to provide access to all information, both receptive and expressive. Ivey uses tactile sign language, SimCom, PSE, braille, and tactile symbols. Her communication skills have transformed over the eleven years I have worked with her.    -Stephanie Garret, DBIS

Training

An Intervener Training Program is available on-line through Utah State University. Based on the National CEC Intervener Competencies, the courses are designed to prepare students to work as interveners with children and youth who are deafblind. Upon successful completion of three required courses, the student may apply for the National Intervener Credential to be a Deafblind Intervener Specialist (DBIS).

The cost per course is $750.00. Upon successful completion of each course, a Certificate of Achievement will be awarded along with six CEU's through the National Intervener and Advocate Association (NIAA). Scholarships that include enrollment costs and course materials are available.

For more information, contact Jean Daddow (jean.daddow@usu.edu) or Linda Alsop (linda.alsop@usu.edu).