Deafblind and Intervenor Studies

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Courses - January 2026

Level 1

Course details

American Sign Language 101
ASL1010

Description:

This introductory course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) with basic communicative competencies. Students learn to handle basic everyday communication: exchanging information, identifying others and giving simple directions. Topics focus on personal information and the immediate environment. Grammar is introduced in context with an emphasis on developing question and answer skills. Cultural notes and videos provide information on Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $97.75

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Field Placement I (Sensory Loss Intervention )
FPLT8380

Description: Through a combination of classroom seminar and field experiences students will develop a deep understanding of the role of the intervenor. Working collaboratively with others they will monitor and document behaviors to create and implement responsive strategies that reflect the progress of the individual. In addition, they will explore effective communication techniques that support the independence and self-determination of the individual.
  • Hours: 98
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Development of Vision and Hearing Across the Lifespan
HEAR8120

Description: This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore the impact of congenital deafblindness and related syndromes on individual’s development. Development will be explored in relation to social, physical and emotional wellbeing of deafblind individuals. Students will examine concepts and theories that support learning and intervention.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Understanding Sensory Loss
HEAR8130

Description: With a focus on sensory loss this course will provide students with the importance of understanding causes of sensory loss. Students will explore the impact of deafblindness on processing sensory information. Students will further examine the importance of the eight senses for a deafblind individual and strategies to support their sensory needs.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Orientation and Mobility
HEAR8140

Description: This course will challenge students to examine the relationship between rehabilitation and orientation and mobility when supporting deafblind individuals. Students will acquire and practice skills and strategies to effectively guide deafblind individuals in their daily living environments. Students will review and utilize orientation and mobility techniques and adaptions and will understand the role of an orientation and mobility specialist.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description:

This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct themself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines for the workplace. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while engaged in an unpaid placement as well as guidelines to follow in the event of an incident, injury or illness.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Level 2

Course details

American Sign Language 102
ASL1020

Description:

The purpose of the second course in American Sign Language (ASL) is to further the student's abilities by refining the skills learned/retained in the 101 course. The student learns to handle talking about activities, time concepts, asking for repetition, giving directions, describing others and making requests. Grammar is introduced in context with an emphasis on using question and answer skills, directions and descriptions. Cultural notes and videos provide information on Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ASL1010
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Professional Practice and Ethical Decision Making
ETHS8040

Description: Through the lens of professional practice and communication, students will examine roles and responsibilities of the intervenor as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Students will identify professional boundaries and awareness of consent process. Students will consider the rights of individuals they are supporting. They will explore the importance of self-care and wellbeing.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Placement II (Sensory Loss Intervention)
FPLT8390

Description: Through a combination of classroom seminar and field experiences, students will continue to strengthen their skills and practices as an intervenor. They will incorporate their understating of system enablers and barriers in the implementation of strategies and services for individuals. They will report on the progress and performance of individuals they are supporting.
  • Hours: 168
  • Credits: 8
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Assistive Technology
HEAR8150

Description: This course will explore various assistive devices and technologies that promote the independence of deafblind individuals. Students will discuss the use and application of current technology that promote independence. They will review, asses, select, and develop skills in the use of assistive devices and technologies promoting the self determination of the individual.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Supporting Communication
HEAR8160

Description: Through interactive lectures and hands on activities this course will allow students to refine their skills in supporting communication for deafblind individuals. Students will support the development of unaided communication techniques. Through collaborative practices with the deafblind individual, family, professionals and para professionals’ students will explore the role in advocating for the individual they support
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

  1. Discuss the intervenor role and the professional principles that guide the delivery of the services for the deafblind and visually impaired to develop professional strategies and goals for career pathways.
  2. Develop and implement strategies that reflect the unique hearing and vision loss of the deafblind individual to support their best quality of life outcomes.
  3. Assess and demonstrate effective communication practices for individuals who are deafblind.
  4. Collaborate with others to create an environment that promotes positive social and emotional development and mental wellness for individuals who are deafblind.
  5. Select and demonstrates orientation and mobility techniques that respond to the needs of the deafblind individual.
  6. Select assistive devices and technology to enhance an individual’s ability to communicate, access information, and navigate their surroundings.
  7. Evaluate sensory systems and services to advocate and support deafblind individuals.
  8. Monitor, document and report on behaviors, performance and progress of individuals.