Being an Intervener is an often challenging, yet always rewarding and fulfilling experience. I’ve worked 1:1 with my current learner for 4 years, and I’ve been a Nationally Certified Deafblind Intervener for about 1 year. My journey toward certification was a long one, to say the least. I juggled full-time (and part-time) employment, a full-time course load at UNCG, the NICE portfolio, and life in general, but I never lost sight of “my why.” It’s a great privilege and responsibility for me to be a bridge to the world for my learner with deafblindness. Because of my specialized training, I am able to observe unique forms of receptive and expressive communication in order to facilitate and encourage communication. I do with, not for, and explore unique ways to offer access to the environment in whatever way is needed for my learner. Finally, understanding that deafblindness can be a lonely reality, I advocate for social inclusion and promote emotional development.
Once I completed the Open Hands, Open Access: Deafblind Intervener Learning Modules, I didn’t hesitate to continue in the process of becoming certified. The number of standards and competencies that had to be covered and proven in the NICE portfolio was overwhelming at first, and it was difficult organizing my information from the modules and choose from artifacts that I had developed on the job. I’ve since assisted a coworker who is on track to becoming a certified intervener herself and I see that the online modules have changed a bit, making the portfolio process a smoother transition, in my opinion. I encourage anyone considering certification to go for it! My mentors were a great help to me and I appreciate their support throughout. Even though my pay hasn’t changed and my title hasn’t even changed, I feel accomplished and proud to be one of the few nationally certified deafblind interveners currently in NC. It is another step toward furthering my career, and I am better equipped to effectively serve individuals with deafblindness because of this journey.
~Courtney King