[nfb-talk] Filling forms and stubborn receptionists

Powers, Terry (NIH/NCI) [E] Terry.Powers at nih.gov
Thu Mar 2 16:11:43 UTC 2017


I keep a print out with me, at all times, listing my name, address, allergies, who to contact, pharmacys, and all my meds and doctors.
They can Xerox the item and put it in my folder and fill out the paper work later.  Usually with this imfo, they will just copy it and maybe ask me a few questions.
This is not only helpful for dr. appointments, but for your own safety.
I have epelepsi and as of now, things are under control, but still, people need to know about my condition.  Same with a heart or diabetic.
This imfo can be kept on your computer and updated, when necessary.

Hope this helps.

Terry Powers


-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Malykh via nfb-talk [mailto:nfb-talk at nfbnet.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2017 9:48 PM
To: nfb-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Tony Malykh <anton.malykh at gmail.com>
Subject: [nfb-talk] Filling forms and stubborn receptionists

Hi all,

I am relatively new to the world of visual impairment and I'm still trying to learn how to do things without my eyesight. So I am asking for your advice: what would you do if you are asked to fill out a form and they are not willing to help you?

Let's not talk about sighted assistants here; I have asked about assistants in another thread and that's a separate topic. Here I'm wondering about your strategy when a sighted assistant is not available or somehow is not an option.

People in general are helpful. In my experience in about 80% of the cases people are willing to help. But here I am talking about the remaining 20% of the cases. For example, if you come in to see a doctor and the receptionist tells you "Um, you have to fill out forms X,Y and Z. And yeah, No,  I cannot help you, I'm too busy. And the nurses cannot help you either. And you should've thought about that and asked a friend or someone else to fill out the forms."

Another example from my own experience is dealing with large insurance company. I tried to apply for insurance and they mailed me an extra form to fill out. I have spent the following 2 months calling different departments of that insurance company and none of them being willing to help me. And the large companies have one extra trick to waste your time: they tell you something like:
"Oh, we don't help people with their forms, but call number X, they will help you."
ANd guess what happens when you call number X? They tell you to call number Y. And so on ad infinitum.

So what is the best way of dealing with the stubborn receptionists and stubborn clerks I large companies? What's the best strategy to push them to stop playing cards on their computer for 5 minutes and help you to fill out the form?

Thanks
Tony

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