At present, NICE is undergoing a phase of restructuring and, as a result, is not accepting new registrations. However, this pause should not deter aspiring candidates from their goals. Interveners are encouraged to continue their journey towards NICE certification by actively participating in relevant training sessions and diligently collecting or archiving documentation that showcases their knowledge and skills. This proactive approach will ensure that once NICE reopens its registration process, candidates will be well-prepared and ahead in their certification journey.

The Paraprofessional Resource and Research Center (PAR²A Center) at the University of Colorado in Denver, proudly houses the National Intervener Certification E-portfolio (NICE). This innovative certification enables interveners to provide evidence of their expertise and skills in accordance with the intervener standards set by the Council for Exceptional Children. This evidence includes digital documentation such as video samples, annotated images, and other relevant materials showcasing an intervener's training and hands-on experience. Expert reviewers, specialized in the realm of deaf-blindness, assess these submissions. National Intervener Certification E-portfolio (NICE), an assessment process that interveners can use to submit evidence of knowledge and skills as outlined in standards for interveners published by the Council for Exceptional Children. The evidence, which consists of digital documentation, such as video samples, described pictures, and other items from an intervener’s training and practice, is evaluated by trained reviewers who are experts in the field of deaf-blindness. Certificates are awarded to applicants who pass with a score of 75% or higher. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete a comprehensive intervener training program through a state deaf-blind project, community college, or university before pursuing NICE due to the comprehensive nature of the e-portfolio process.

NICE was produced by the National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) using a participatory approach involving practicing interveners, state deaf-blind project personnel, and university experts, who joined forces to design and test the system. The PAR²A Center manages the process, including portfolio submissions, the review process, and communication of certification decisions to applicants. Each portfolio is scored by two reviewers who are members of the NICE Review Board. Their scores must agree at least 80% of the time for an overall portfolio score to be considered reliable. A third reviewer will be recruited if the initial reviewers’ agreement rate is less than 80%.

Overview: A New NICE

As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence and professional growth in the field of DeafBlind intervention, the National Intervener Certification ePortfolio is adapting its approach to support the needs of interveners throughout the United States. NICE is transitioning from a single portfolio structure created by seven domains that align to CEC standards to a focused and targeted approach through the implementation of microcredentials.

The National Intervener Certification ePortfolio is divided into seven distinct microcredentials, each aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children Standards for DeafBlind Interveners. This shift aims to provide greater flexibility, specificity, and recognition for the unique skills and competencies possessed by professionals in this field.

The seven microcredentials will cover the following Council for Exceptional Children Standards:

1. Understanding the Unique Needs of Individuals with DeafBlindness
2. Communication and Language Development for Individuals with DeafBlindness
3. Assessment and Individualized Planning for Individuals with DeafBlindness
4. Environmental Adaptations and Support Strategies for Individuals with DeafBlindness
5. Instructional Strategies for Individuals with DeafBlindness
6. Collaboration and Teaming in DeafBlind Intervention
7. Professionalism and Ethical Practices in DeafBlind Intervention

By aligning each microcredential with a specific standard, the PAR²A Center aims to provide a more comprehensive and targeted assessment of an intervenor's knowledge and skills. This shift will allow professionals to pursue microcredentials based on their individual strengths, interests, and areas for growth. It will also enable them to demonstrate expertise in specific areas of DeafBlind intervention, enhancing their professional development and career advancement opportunities.

The microcredentialing system will involve a rigorous assessment process, including portfolio submissions and evaluations. Each microcredential will be awarded upon successful completion of the associated assessment requirements, demonstrating proficiency in the corresponding Council for Exceptional Children standard.

Similarly, there will still be an option for candidates to complete all 7 microcredentials for full certification either one at a time, or accrue the 7 microcredentials and apply for full certification.

Interveners who wish to apply for certification should contact their state deaf-blind project or college/university training program to discuss pursing certification. Every candidate must have a mentor, assigned by a state deaf-blind project or university partner, to provide guidance and feedback during portfolio development and must complete two training modules explaining the use of the NICE system.

Steps for Interveners interested in pursuing NICE certification

Steps for State Deaf Blind Projects/Universities/other entities to access NICE system

For more information, please visit What is NICE?

Pathways for Intervener Training in the United States

2024 Reviewers

• Susan Bashinski, Ed.D., Director, Graduate Programs in Education, Missouri Western State University
• Andrea Blackwood, Teacher Support Program - Technical Assistance Coordinator, North Carolina Project for Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind
• Julie Brickhouse, Master of Education (MEd), Severe Disabilities, Exceptional Children's Teacher at Pitt County Schools, Greeenville, North Carolina
• Tara Brown-Ogilvie, Doctoral Candidate, University of Northern Colorado
• Susan Bruce, Ph.D., Department Chair, Department of Special Education, Boston College
• Michelle Clyne, MS.Ed., Project Coordinator, Illinois Deaf-Blind Services
• Adam Graves, B.A., Deafblind Educational Consultant, Texas Deafblind Project
• Nikki Marcello, Deaf-Blind Specialist, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
• Sue Ann Houser, M.A., Project Director, Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project; Educational Consultant, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
• Lacey Long, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, Certified Orientation & Mobility Soecialist at Morton-Sioux Special Ed Unit, Bismarck, North Dakota
• Brandy Sebera, Instructor, University of South Dakota
• Susie Morgan-Morrow, M.A., Project Director, New York Deaf-Blind Collaborative
• Jerri Nelson, South Dakota
• Debbie Sanders, M.Ed., Deaf-Blind Teacher Specialist, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
• Sandra Warren, Ph.D., Professor, SEFR Graduate Studies Director, ECU Teacher Support Project Director, Department of Special Education, Foundations, and Research College of Education, East Carolina University
• Ari Den-Otter Conroy, LifeScape Lead Teaching Assistant, South Dakota

The National Intervener Certification E-portfolio (NICE) process and product were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education #H326T130013 awarded to the National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB). NICE represents a partnership between NCDB and the Paraprofessional Resource and Research Center at the University of Colorado, Denver.