Intervener Technical Certificate
Become a paraprofessional intervener trained to support students who are deafblind or have dual sensory impairments. The fully online 30-credit certificate takes about two years and includes one in-person practicum.
Program Overview
The Intervener Certificate at Shawnee State University is a 30-credit hour undergraduate-level program that prepares individuals to support students who are deafblind or have dual sensory impairments. Designed to be completed in two years, this fully online program offers working professionals and aspiring paraprofessionals the flexibility to pursue their goals without leaving their communities.
Interveners play a vital role in the classroom, working one-on-one with students aged 3–21 to support communication, connection, and learning. Through a combination of online coursework and a final in-person practicum, students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to make a meaningful impact.
This program also serves as a stepping stone to further education. Students who complete the Intervener Certificate will have earned half the credits required for an associate degree in paraprofessional preparation, and it can also lead to a bachelor's degree in Intervention Specialist: Mild-Moderate, Grades K-12.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
We are now accepting applications for Fall 2027.
Once you are admitted to SSU, or for those already admitted, you must submit professional statement including career goals and what you hope to achieve by completing the program (1-2 pages).
Applicants must meet the admission requirements at Shawnee State University. An intervener provides consistent one-to-one support to a student who is deaf-blind or dual sensory impaired (ages 3 through 21) throughout the instructional day. Coursework is primarily completed in an online format, culminating with a 2-credit hour face-to-face practicum experience. Learn more by reviewing the program fact sheet (PDF)
Gail Chinn
Title: Low Incidence Sensory Disabilities Lead Officer
Area: School of Education
Phone: (740) 351-3571
Email: gchinn@shawnee.edu
At A Glance
Intervener Technical Certificate
Degree
Undergraduate Technical Certificate
Length
2 years
Credits
30
Class Size
12:1
Location
Online (with required in-person practicum)
Why Study Intervener Technical Certificate at Shawnee University
Specialized role, real demand. Interveners work one-on-one with students ages 3-21 who are deafblind, supporting their access, communication, and learning.
Fully online coursework. Designed for working professionals and paraprofessionals who want to expand their skills without leaving their community.
Hands-on practicum. The final two-credit, face-to-face practicum puts your training into a real classroom with deafblind students.
Stackable credits. The 30 credits cover half the requirements for SSU's paraprofessional associate degree and can lead toward a bachelor's in Intervention Specialist: Mild-Moderate (K-12).
Recognized by the field. Although this is a university-issued certificate rather than a state license, the training is aligned with the specialized skills paraprofessionals need in this role.
The 30-credit curriculum builds foundations in sensory impairments, communication systems, technology, and classroom practice.
- Orientation to Visual Impairment
- Orientation to Hearing Impairment
- Orientation to Dual Sensory Impairments
- Supporting the Child with Visual Impairment
- Supporting the Child with Hearing Impairment
- Supporting the Child with Dual Sensory Impairments
- Sign Systems
- Technology Supports for the Child with Sensory Impairments
- Intervener Practicum and Classroom Practices
- Portfolio
- Introduction to Braille
A two-credit, face-to-face practicum gives you direct experience working with deafblind students in educational settings before you complete the certificate.
- Provide consistent one-on-one support for deafblind students
- Facilitate communication between students and their environment
- Use sign systems and assistive technology effectively
- Build strong professional relationships with students, families, and teams
Fully online with a required in-person practicum.
- Intervener (one-on-one paraprofessional) for deafblind students, ages 3-21
- Educational paraprofessional in sensory disability classrooms
- Pathway to SSU's paraprofessional associate degree
- Pathway to a bachelor's in Intervention Specialist: Mild-Moderate (K-12)
Many graduates already work in schools and add this certificate to qualify for intervener roles. Others use it as a stepping stone into associate or bachelor's degrees in education.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Intervener Technical Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
No. The program is open to anyone who meets SSU's admission requirements.
No. It's a university-issued certificate that prepares paraprofessionals with specialized skills recognized in the field.
Yes. The 30 credits apply toward SSU's paraprofessional associate degree and can also lead toward a bachelor's in Intervention Specialist: Mild-Moderate (K-12).
Yes. The two-credit, in-person practicum is part of the certificate and gives you direct experience working with deafblind students.
Program handbook
Contact Gail Chinn ((740) 351-3571, gchinn@shawnee.edu) for advising and program information.
Learn more by reviewing the program fact sheet
Accreditation
This is a Shawnee State University-issued technical certificate. It prepares paraprofessionals with specialized skills recognized in the field of intervener work.
Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
