Page 26 - Vision Manual

 Make a list before talking with a professional- It’s common to get flustered or struggle with memory when talking to a professional. Making a list will help ensure that you can stay on task with the job at hand. Professionals also appreciate lists, as it helps them know what is important to you and shows investment in treatment.
 Seek out the person on your treatment team who has the most experience- Don’t be afraid to ask for a specific type of help and find out who the best person to talk to is. Your therapist might not know much about financial matters, but if you ask them they might be able to point you towards a person that does, or access other resources to find information for you.
 Talk about your concerns calmly and clearly- Sometimes when things are important to us we might get heated or frustrated with others. It’s important to try and clearly talk about what’s going on and do your best to remain calm. Professionals are people to, and when they get yelled at they can respond defensively, which might end up with you not getting what you need or want. Practice saying what you need to say beforehand to gain confidence and remain calm.
 If you are not satisfied after speaking with the appropriate person, escalate- Sometimes we need to go higher up in an organization to get help. If you are not being heard, if you are being treated disrespectfully, or otherwise aren’t getting the information you need, consider asking to talk to a supervisor. Getting others involved can ensure that you are being treated with respect.
 Follow through on actions that are your responsibility- Make sure to do what is asked of you if it is reasonable and manageable. If not, communicate a need for help so that you can get your needs met in a timely fashion.
 Bring an advocate- Sometimes we need a friend, family member or other supportive person to help us be heard. Many times a provider will welcome bringing other supports in, as it allows for more help towards a common difficulty.
 Let people know that you appreciate their efforts- Saying ‘thank you’ can go a long way towards encouraging providers and caregivers to continue the work they do in support of you.
 Be persistent- Sometimes you might feel lost in the shuffle or ignored. Persistence is required at times to make sure that you are heard. If ‘the squeaky wheel gets the grease’, then don’t be afraid to squeak!
Questions: What strategies have you used to help meet your needs? What might have been left off this list that can be helpful? What do you think you can improve on?
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