[humanser] Do you know about these?

Tue Dec 13 03:05:44 UTC 2016

My state agency for the blind actually worked with me for several months 
to devise the system I now use for CDT. All of the visual items had to 
be turned into a menu. My consultant determined the pixol points on the 
screen and then plotted them using JAWS scripts. I also had to write 
down sequences of things that did not speak, such as choices to check on 
some of the menus.

For a time, you might need to call on your co-workers to get you out of 
what I call sight gags -- problems that must be remedied with a mouse. I 
had to learn not to use many of the keystrokes I have taken for granted 
for my orientation on the screen. For example, I cannot use the up-arrow 
to go back and correct mistakes, or else I will make the system snarl.

Another problem, folks, is this: So you get a job and you get the names 
of the software products the agency uses. You don't get a JAWS 
consultant to come to your work place until about three weeks after you 
start. So, you're already miles and miles behind, and your supervisors 
are reluctant to assign you certain kinds of jobs because they know you 
don't know enough about the system to perform them right. In adition, 
it's hard to have a sighted person explain to a blind consultant what 
the system does, because the JAWS cursor isn't the one the sighted 
person sees. You almost have to familiarize the sighted co-worker with 
how your system works before you can get any meaningful help, and that 
takes a long time.

I hate to be such a naysayer, but it's been eight months and I'm still 
not allowed to perform assessments. For the last two weeks I earned a 
total of $150 for counseling sessions. I was a writer for 33 years, and 
I helped people understand and thrive in their communities by writing 
for my local paper full time. What I'm doing is barely, barely treading 
water. My ability to help people is minimal. I don't know what to do 
except maybe file a complaint with the EEOC. I feel largely without help 
and without support.

Cheryl Wade

On 12/12/2016 9:07 PM, Lisa Irving via HumanSer wrote:
> Is anyone out there using net smart avatar? I am not a licensed clinician and therefore do not have as many electronic medical record's requirements however our company, are I international is switching to this system. Recently I met a Blind social worker here in California. She is a clinician and she has to use net smart avatar. Much of it is not accessible.
>
> What does one do when one has to document however incidental when an electronic medical record system is not accessible?
>
> My current job is in the realm of paraprofessional, peer support. Mental health America is trying to set national standards that is national certification standards for our growing profession. Some states such as New York to have certification requirements for peer specialist as you may have guessed this is due to the ability to bill Medicaid. Additionally this has something to do with the integration of medical care and mental health care.
>
> On a similar note, what do many of you do as clinicians when going for interviews and the issue of electronic medical records comes up? How do you handle this conversation without shooting yourself in the foot? From Lisa Irving
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Dec 12, 2016, at 5:30 PM, Ginny Duff via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> JD is right.  It is all worth it even if it is frustrating.  Yes it takes more time but if you make it work, its such an honour to be able to make this contribution to people's lives.
>>
>> Ginny
>>
>> Dr. V. Duff
>> Clinical Director
>> West End Assertive Community Treatment Team
>> St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto
>> Psychiatrist,
>> Extended Forensic Out-patient Services
>> Centre For Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto
>> Lecturer, University of Toronto
>>
>>> On Dec 12, 2016, at 7:40 PM, JD Townsend via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Hello:
>>>
>>> Unfortunately Electronic Medical Records are, well almost, universal in hospitals and in most larger agencies.  The programs are rarely easily accessible for blind folks and do take more time for light-dependent folks as well.
>>>
>>> So, is it worth it?  Yes, speaking for myself, it is.  Always the documentation takes more time and effort than we would like to spend, but the insurance companies demand it.  If these documents were developed to be of clinical importance, they would look very different.
>>>
>>> The ability to provide psychotherapy is a great honor and challenge.  Always there will be paperwork.  The EMR programs are many and, unfortunately, do not meet ADA or Rehab Act requirements.  At some time, soon I hope, the NFB will challenge them in court.  Until then, we have to wade through a migraine of adjustment.
>>>
>>>
>>> JD
>>> -----Original Message----- From: Cheryl Wade via HumanSer
>>> Sent: Monday, December 12, 2016 5:23 PM
>>> To: Human Services Division Mailing List
>>> Cc: Cheryl Wade
>>> Subject: [humanser] Do you know about these?
>>>
>>> Hi, listers,
>>>
>>>
>>> I took part in a job interview today at a counseling center that is
>>> under the umbrella of a hospital.
>>>
>>>
>>> The interviewer said the company uses Intelligence Medical Software,
>>> part of HealthTech, and Phoenix software.
>>>
>>>
>>> Have any of you used either of these software types? Is any research
>>> available?
>>>
>>>
>>> I suppose my broader question is, Why bother being a counselor if the
>>> act of paperwork is so time-consuming that a person who is blind never
>>> can keep up? It took me weeks even to feel comfortable with the software
>>> I'm using. What was the learning process for you folks? How can you ever
>>> make a living at this when it's so much work and such a drag to do?
>>>
>>>
>>> Please tell me if all this is worth the effort, and why.
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheryl Wade, Outpatient Therapist
>>>
>>> Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center
>>>
>>>
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>>>
>>> JD Townsend LCSW
>>> Helping the light dependent to see.
>>> Daytona Beach, Earth, Sol System
>>>
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