Educational Supports

Data on children and youth receiving intervener services was collected on a pilot basis during the 2014 child count, with some state deaf-blind projects collecting the information. A total of 394 children and youth were reported as receiving intervener services during that year. The category was fully implemented in 2015, during which 587 children and youth were reported as receiving intervener services. This year (2017), 713 children and youth were reported as receiving intervener services.

Interveners are key players in providing access to a child or youth who is deaf-blind. They provide access to information, the environment, communication, and conceptual learning. While it is encouraging to see that 713 children and youth are receiving intervener services, it is also discouraging that this accounts for only 7% of the population. Continued efforts are needed to implement the 2012 Intervener Services Recommendations.