Navigation Tip #1 -- Organize!

One of your best assets when navigating the disability jungle is a set of organized files – medical records (doctor & hospital visits, pharmaceutical receipts & labels), school records (IEP’s), Social Security notices – anything that references the disability. Also, keep records of conversations with support agencies. When I speak with agency reps, I write down who I spoke with, the date & time we spoke and a brief descriptive of our conversation. That way, if you need to reference that conversation later, you won’t have to say “I talked with a lady in your office the other day” – instead you’ll be able to say “I spoke with Ms. Williams in your office on Monday, August 25th at 1:15, and she told me…..”. Frankly, I suggest keep conversation records whenever you speak to an agency or company rep; recalling the conversation later will be easier and people tend to take you seriously when you speak with authority – citing dates and times. Unrelated to my sons’ disabilities, I recently had a beef with the cable company and spoke to several different reps over the course of a few weeks. Because I had recorded specific dates and times of unsatisfactory service, along with names of company reps to whom I spoke, the cable company offered me free upgrades and bill reimbursements. Recordkeeping is important in managing finances and in managing your disabled relative’s trek through the disability jungle. Purchase inexpensive folders from an office supply store and keep your records in a safe place. When you have to attend a meeting, take those folders along with a notepad and pen to record meeting notes. You’ll be better armed to navigate the jungle.

Note: For a comprehensive guide to services and supports for individuals with disabilities in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), go to http://www.arcmeck.org/ and click on "Online Resources." There you will find an excellent Resource Guide.