HINTS TO BETTER COMMUNICATION

Task Force on Education for the Handicapped

• Be open minded and receptive to information

• Allow a flow of communication

• Listen carefully to what is said and then explain your viewpoint

• If there is a serious problem, ask for specifics in writing

• Ask questions about your child

• When calling an agency, ask the person to identify himself/herself when giving you information

• Be aware of the chain of command

• Have someone go with you to a meeting or case conference about your child

• Be reliable about your attendance at scheduled meetings

• Let the professional know when you are most available.  Make sure there is a phone number where you can be reached

• Collect facts and your thoughts before attending a meeting.  Write them down so you don’t’ forget

• Control your emotions

• Try to resolve one problem at a time

• Keep your child’s file in order.  Keep all written communications

• Give solutions an opportunity to work

• If the problem is not resolved at one level, go to the next level in the chain of command

• Never send verbal messages, by your child, to teachers or other professionals

• Stop saying, “I’m just a parent.”