[NABS-L] Taking Case Notes during an Intake Interview

[Julie McGinnity]

Hi Lizzy,

I used to interview people all the time when I worked for NFB. My
favorite way of interviewing someone was to use my Braille Note. I
would paste the questions in a document, transfer the document onto my
note taker, and write as they answered below the appropriate question.
I did phone interviews, but I always preferred using my note taker so
that I wasn't listening to a screen reader and the person I was
interviewing at the same time. While you are working on your Braille,
you could use a computer. Mostly taking notes on an interview is about
typing, not reading. Just keep an earbud in one ear, face the laptop
away or slightly close the lid, and look at your client while you
type. Then later you can correct any errors. That way you can listen
to each question, ask it, and then type away as they are talking.

Hope this helps.

Julie


On 10/3/22, Lizzy Cappelli via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hello NABS,
>
> I hope this email finds you well.
>
> I am a Junior in college majoring in Human Services and Rehabilitation
> Studies. This semester I am taking a case management class. Part of this
> class is conducting an intake interview were you are getting to know a
> client for the first time (in this case a classmate) We are given an intake
> questionnaire to use during the interview as a reference.
>
>
>
> I am wondering if anyone has advice on how to best take notes in a
> professional manner while also being attentive to a client?
>
>
>
> I am legally blind and am able to read large print inches away from me, but
> it requires me to awkwardly hunch over in order to read and write notes. It
> is also possible to use a computer, but I am unsure if this would cause a
> barrier between the interviewer and client. Lastly, I thought of using
> braille since it would still allow you to look at the client, and take
> notes, but my braille speed needs to increase before effectively using it in
> a professional setting.
>
>
>
> Overall, if anyone has experience in this type of environment or insight on
> clients’ reactions to needing to be close to take notes that would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> Kindest regards,
> Lizzy Cappelli
>
>


-- 
Julie A. McGinnity
MM Vocal Performance, 2015; American University Washington College of
Law, JD Candidate 2023