Writings about Ataxia, being DeafBlind, family life. The best life can offer!


Principles…

Hey readers!

Due to the super small font used in WordPress block editor, as well as Apple’s zoom doesn’t always work beneficially.

I decided to work on articles elsewhere, then copy-paste. This explains the delay in getting the next series of succulent blogs to you!

If you happen to know of a way to increase font size within the block editing stage, please let me know! Thank you!


The Principles Of The Canadian concept called “Intervention”

I I found a 25 year-old listicle that explains important principles of intervention. I’m sharing that with you now.

But before we get started, Let’s get one thing straight right away: I cringe at the word Intervention when referring to professionals who support DeafBlind persons. Why? Well, intervention has many definitions, simplest is “any action to improve a situation.”

While the Intervenor does improve a DeafBlind person’s life, proper terminology nowadays is; Intervenor Services. I’ve updated the listicle to cover this modernization.

I’ve also taken great liberties to update and expand upon the 11 points. It was not copyrighted!

  • Intervenors must have a great deal of respect for DeafBlind persons,
  • Intervenors are non-judgemental, confidential, motivators, empowering DeafBlind persons,
  • Intervenors “Do with, not for.” Check back tomorrow for my explanation of this creed.
  • No assumptions should be made regarding the cognitive or, specifically in my case, walking ability of DeafBlind persons,
  • The intervenor provides visual and auditory, with the environment, with other persons, as well as guiding and room logistics, (link to recent doc)
  • Each DeafBlind person has their own preferences regarding language acquisition: tactile, tracking, picture cues etc, they must be allowed to use those methods,
  • All DeafBlind persons can benefit from an intervenor, and
  • The Intervenor is an effective way for DeafBlind persons to acquire, understand and learn about their environment, but,
  • An intervenor is not a “miracle,” DeafBlind persons can be, and usually are, independent without,
  • Intervenors must allow DeafBlind persons to make their own decisions, regardless of the risks or consequences.
  • The focus of intervenor services is about empowering. DeafBlind persons.

This was written by Carolyn Monaco in 1995 and revised in 1998. There was no publication listed, was it People® Rolling Stone® or some obscure periodical, it didn’t say.

I do know that these principles are open to interpretation, even among others within the DeafBlind community. Which is why I said these are my explanations. No one provided feedback… hope no one sues me, but you can donate to future legal fees!

Thank you for reading, sharing, liking…

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About the author

Craig MacLean is DeafBlind with ataxia, a rare condition called CAPOS. He & his wife of 22 years have two sons, the oldest of which has CAPOS as well.

Craig uses American Sign Language to communicate. He is an avid writer, friend, Hot Wheel collector and intervenor advocate.

Craig sits on many committees, boards and associations as a DeafBlind rep. He graduated university with a BA in psychology in 2000.