[humanser] HelpLine volunteer questions

[Reyazuddin, Yasmin]

Hi Lisa, 
Before I got a full time job with the county, I worked for the supported listening hotline. This is more than 15 years ago. The mental health association had the hotline, where people could call just to be heard. Many were regular callers, who were alone and wanted to talk. Once in a while, they would ask for additional services and we had to give them one of our local county service number. I did not use their computer, as it was not important. I had some of the phone numbers to know which one to give. There were also suaside calls which one has to handle differently. I was never alone in the room. The first week of my work I had such a call. I started asking questions which were very descriptive to repeat for the caller as well the second person to be alert of the call. My supervisor tracked the call and we were able to send help to this individual. 
If this sounds like what you will be doing, then great. I know that you will be a good one. We think that we will need a lot of technology to help someone on the hotline. Once you start, you may not need all the technology. Hope it helps. Good luck. 


Yasmin Reyazuddin 
Aging & Disability Services 
Montgomery County Government 
Department of Health & Human Services 
401 Hungerford Drive (3rd floor) 
Rockville MD 20850 
240-777-0311 (MC311) 
240-777-1556 (personal) 
240-777-1495 (fax) 
office hours 8:30 am 5:00 pm 
Languages English, Hindi, Urdu, Braille 


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Thank you.


-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lisa Irving via humanser
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2015 6:44 PM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Cc: Lisa Irving <peacefulwoman89 at cox.net>
Subject: [humanser] HelpLine volunteer questions

Hello All, 

 

 

I am excited and also apprehensive about a great volunteer opportunity; that is, volunteering for the local NAMI HelpLine. I have been asked what accommodations I will need to work the HelpLine. I'm not sure how to respond because I do not understand all of the responsibilities I am expected to fill. I also don't know how to ask about the computer program NAMI uses to access its resource database and to track information about incoming requests for help. Any ideas? I'm also wondering about what to do about adaptive equipment. I have already offered to used my licensed copy of JAWS -assuming NAMI's computer programs interface well with JAWS. Additionally, NAMI also has a hardcover resource directory. I think I can manage the resource book using a CCTV; something NAMI is unlikely to provide to a blind volunteer. 

 

 

Thank you.

 

Best,

Lisa Irving

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