[humanser] Paperwork

[Ericka]

 First I am going to profusely apologize for the seemingly confusing response. I had to edit and took three phone calls between starting this and sending. 

I completely understand where you're coming from Rebecca. Last time – – about six years ago now – – I did a three-month internship through VR at our local Salvation Army. Well we were not doing mental health assessments, we did have state standard form questions we had to fill out and all data went into the computer. Unfortunately I never solved the computer issues because in that short time I didn't have any cooperation with state workplace adaptation people or vocational rehab to make my computer accessible to me. I also did not have l braille skills. I might have been able to read my Cheat sheet in braille but writing responses wasn't possible.  Here's what we did.  We had to fill out a state form online so my supervisor helped me create a "cheat sheet" in large print so I could get the required information. Because we tried to get the computer accessible and did not get that resolved I verbally gave her responses to the questions or hand wrote in huge print the answers and my supervisor put them in. We did this after the client/clients left. I noticed when she interviewed she had her computer screen open and filled in as people responded. I thought that was kind of weird but I think it had to do with where the computer had to be more than whether she wanted to have better eye contact or hide behind a computer screen I used a mini cassette recorder, but if you have a victor stream it might work better. Ask permission first of your superior, but explain to each client then ask if  you can record things to make sure that you have all the correct information. Because of confidentiality, remind them you you will erase it so that no one else can access the information. It will assist you to do the best job for them as their counselor. I don't know how much time you have between clients to speed up and listen to things to catch up on the computer. I had permission from everyone I interviewed to record. I would think it would be easier to just ask them about medications and medical history. I referred back to them as needed and rewound so I could record over for confidentiality. This way I could make eye contact with the individuals as I made chicken scratch on  paper. It help me ask better questions and remember answers. Clients really seem to feel comfortable with someone with a disability. We had both English and Spanish clients. I don't recall if the Spanish-speaking clients felt more comfortable with her not looking at them then the English speaking. I know some cultures don't appreciate eye contact.  
 This would not probably solve my problems now but it got me through temporarily. Keep up on your braille as you transition. I'm sure people on this list would help you learn more.  

Understanding the speech is more my battle at the moment. Best of luck to you and I hope I've at least given you something to chew on.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend Rebecca.

Ericka Short
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