Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialists (CDBIS) Handbook, Section 4, Body of Knowledge

Section 4 - Body of Knowledge

CDBIS must know and understand nine core domain areas and the listed knowledge areas within domains. The CDBIS must know the following:

1. Understanding Deafblindness
   1. Know the definitions of Deafblindness
   2. Know the history of Deafblindness
   3. Know the definitions of and the difference between congenital and acquired Deafblindness
   4. Know the causes of Deafblindness and its complications
2. Values, Ethics and Principles of Intervenor services
   1. Know the role of the intervenor
   2. Know how the intervenor provides continuous environmental, visual, tactile, and auditory information.
   3. Know what incidental information is and its importance
   4. Know the philosophies of intervenor services
   5. Know the concepts of control and power, empowerment, learned helplessness, self-determination, advocacy
   6. Know professional boundaries and the importance of maintaining them
   7. Know how to function as part of both an interdisciplinary team and to manage the flow of information with the team and the required follow up
   8. Know how to prepare for an assignment/shift
   9. Know the importance of building a trusting relationship and rapport with Deafblind individuals (due to vulnerability) and other professional colleagues
   10. Know the CDBIS Code of Ethics
   11. Know how and when to advocate for the person's right to have an intervenor regardless of setting and when to allow the person who is Deafblind to self-advocate
   12. Know the intervenors role as “informer” to ensure that Deafblind individuals are kept apprised of issues that are not necessarily in their immediate environment (world or local news, news within the Deafblind community or with the agency providing intervenor services, weather forecast, important dates, agency closures, election candidates, general news stories
3. Strategies Used in Providing Intervenor Services
   1. Know the importance and impact to responding to individual’s interests
   2. Know the importance of responding to interactions by the individual
   3. Know the importance and impact of an individual’s need for anticipation, motivation, communication and confirmation
   4. Know the importance and impact of providing a responsive/reactive environment
   5. Know the definitions and differences of concept versus skill development
   6. Know the methods an intervenor would use to teach/relay a concept, skill and communication
   7. Know the various environmental factors and the impact of various environmental factors on the individual
   8. Know the intervenor’s role in providing the “Do With, Not For” philosophy
   9. Know how to monitor and adjust the level and intensity of input to ensure pace and duration meets the individual’s ability to receive and respond
4. Theories and Practices of Communication
   1. Know the impact of communication, interaction and the development of language
   2. Know the role of the intervenor in facilitating the use of receptive and expressive communication and comprehension of information
   3. Know the role of the intervenor in structuring the environment or situation to encourage conversation
   4. Know the various types of communication and their applications
   5. Know the modes of communication and different languages used by individuals who are Deafblind
   6. Know how the impact on the body, speed and touch can affect communication
   7. Demonstrate proficiency in the language or communication mode used by an individual
   8. Know how to interpret the meaning of individual’s communication, relay to others and respond appropriately
   9. Know how to recognize, respond and provide feedback for all attempts at communication
5. Social, Emotional, and Psychological Impact of Deafblindness
   1. Know how an individual’s etiology could affect their social, psychological and emotional well-being
   2. Know the grieving process and how it relates to an individual who is Deafblind, families and social networks etc.
   3. Know the definition of challenging behaviors/enhanced coping skills and their possible precipitating factors
   4. Know how isolation affects the individual
   5. Know to support the individual’s opportunities for self-determination, self-esteem and well-being
6. The Relationship between Deafblindness and Health, Mental Health and Aging
   1. Know the impact Deafblindness has on health
   2. Know the impact of an individual being Deafblind and medically fragile
   3. Know the impact of Deafblindness on mental health and well-being
   4. Know what the adaptations/techniques used when working with older individuals who are Deafblind
7. Sensory Systems
   1. Know the anatomy and functions of the eye and ear
   2. Know conditions that affects the eye and ear
   3. Know the strategies that support the use of residual vision and hearing
   4. Know the definition of sensory integration and sensory integration disorder
   5. Know the impact of sensory integration and processing of sensory of information
   6. Know the eight senses and the importance of the senses and impact on the individual who is Deafblind
8. Orientation and Mobility
   1. Know the impact of Deafblindness on movement, spatial awareness, exploration or navigating and understanding the environment
   2. Know the types of technology and tactile cue available to support the O&M process
   3. Know how to relay information from the environment
9. Use of Assistive Devices and Technology
   1. Know the various technical and augmentatives devices available to individuals who are Deafblind
   2. Know the benefits related to the use of assistive devices
   3. Know vocabulary and related terms to technical and augmentative devices