What can I do?
Advocacy Tool Kit
If you have a meeting with your Supports Coordinator . . .
with your school . . .
with your County or your provider . . .
Here are some tips to assist in getting what you need.
- Keep a separate file just for copies of letters, reports, or other materials you give or receive from the County office, your Supports Coordinator or Provider.
- Keep a notebook and take notes of any conversations you have regarding any of your concerns, including the date you spoke with the person, their phone number, the person’s name, title and outcome of the discussion. You will need to verify information and always keep a paper trail.
- If the county or agency promises to do something for you, make a note of the person’s name you spoke to or communicated with, the date, what is to be done, and the date by which it is supposed to be completed.
- If you attend a meeting with your Supports coordinator, Provider or representative from your Mental Retardation office and you are unsure of being able to discuss the issue alone, take a friend, neighbor or advocate along.
- If you need to speak to someone about a dispute or problem, contact an advocacy organization in your county. There is a Mediation and Appeal process in place if you disagree with what is offered under the Waiver. Base funding (which can be referred to as a county or state funding) does not have a process in place for disputes. Remember you have the right to apply for Waiver services at any time; no one can deny you that right.
- Focus on the issue. Gather and prepare your information.
- You can be assertive without being aggressive. You can be straightforward and still maintain your focus and composure on the issue. It is important to remember that you might have to return and speak with the very people your are talking with today. Choose your words carefully.
- Despite all your best efforts, please note that the state limits the number of waivers, and there is limited state funding available to counties, so therefore you could be placed on a Waiting List.
- People have benefited and continue to benefit from advocacy and assistance of those in past generations who have worked to achieve systems changes in the MR system. Today, new leaders must emerge to assure that supports and services will be available in the future, that they are of the highest quality and that they continue to improve. We urge you to stand up to lend your support and talents by becoming active in your county advocacy organizations. If you can’t find a group or organization to join, we will help you find one or organize one.
