It began as a network-based initiative to address a common challenge the need for high quality training resources to support the roles of interveners for students who are deaf-blind (Parker, Malloy, Gense, & Killoran, 2013). While this is still the primary purpose of the Open Hands- Open Access (OHOA) Deaf-Blind Intervener Learning modules, this multi-media resource, developed by the National Center on Deaf-Blindness through partnership with state deaf-blind projects, parents, teachers, interveners and other community supporters, has become a useful tool for state partners to offer high quality outreach to diverse groups of learners in states.

There are two ways to participate in OHOA: within hosted and un-hosted modules. Hosted modules are led by a group of instructors who are available to facilitate each cohort’s progress through the modules, including guiding online discussions, responding to questions, and commenting on submissions. Universal modules, which are un-hosted, can be accessed by anyone at any time by signing up for an account on the NCDB website. In the universal modules, participants go through the modules with others from throughout the U.S. and other countries but there isn’t a host or instructor who responds to learning assignments. All OHOA module training, whether hosted or un-hosted, is provided at no cost to participants.

At the recent CEC Convention in San Diego, Katie, Maurice and Amy shared information about how State Deaf-Blind Project Partners have been able to use OHOA as one strategy for providing outreach and support to educational teams that serve students who are deaf-blind.