Effective Family Support Communication Strategies
description
Transcript of Effective Family Support Communication Strategies
Effective Family Support Communication Strategies
Candace Lindow-Davies
Coordinator
Minnesota Hands & Voices
&
Co-Author
Karen Putz
President
Illinois Hands & Voices
Financial Disclosure Statement
A: I have no relevant financial relationship with the manufacturers of any commercial products and/or provider of commercial services discussed in this CME activity.
B: I do not intend to discuss an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device in my presentation.
How Did This Get In Here?
Geez, Mom!
Overview
1. Minnesota Demographics
2. Background about MN Hands & Voices
3. Observations about Changing Needs of Parents
4. Communication Strategies
5. Application to Other States
6. Conclusion
Minnesota Demographics
Approximately 70,000 births per year
111 Birthing hospitals
Metro Area in Southeast of State
Vast rural communities
No UNHS mandate…yet
Background on Minnesota Hands & Voices
30 years of family support specific to deaf/hard of hearing in MinnesotaStrong signing, cueing and oral communityFamily Support Connection in existence for over 6 years (Now MN Hands & Voices)Program supported primarily by Greater Twin Cities United WayStaff consists of 9 paid Parent Guides = under 2 FTE’s
3 Metro6 Greater MN (Guide By Your Side Program)
492 Unduplicated Parents/Professionals Served in 2006Over 700 on mailing list
Observations about Changing Needs of Parents
10 years ago, families had to personally attend workshops to get information or to find support from other familiesToday, families have access to information without leaving their homeFamilies are far more complicated and heavily scheduledOur charge is to make sure that parents get accurate, comprehensive information/support for all choices in as many ways as possible
Communication Types
Passive CommunicationAnonymous Interactions
One-on-one Communication
Group Interactions
Communication Strategies:Passive Communication
Newsletters**
Mass Email Alerts
Web Site**
Fact Sheets**
Parent Welcome Letters**
New Parent Packets
**These items are on our web site
Passive Communication:Newsletters
Mailed Version
Email Version
Web Site Posting
School Flyer
See our web site
Passive Communication:Mass Email Alerts
Custom Designed Database
Client and Professional Information
Email/Mass Email System
Database stores incoming emails under the individual’s profile so history is kept
Past common responses can be searched and used again
Example of MN Database:Mass Email
Example of MN Database:New Client Profile
Passive Communication: Fact Sheets
Variety of fact sheets developed based on common questions from parentsTopics include: Beginning sign language, cued speech, auditory training, communication options, resources in the Spanish-speaking community, unilateral hearing loss and so on See our web site
Passive Communication: Parent Welcome Letters
Tool used to encourage parents to reach out for support
Opens with explaining the family’s diagnosis story
Discuss one challenge or success
End with words of encouragement
Three letters in Spanish, Hmong and Somali languages
See our web site
Parent Welcome Letters
Communication Strategies:Anonymous Interactions
Chat Rooms/Bulletin Boards
Anonymous Interactions: Hands & Voices Bulletin Board
Parents can post questions about different topics
Moderated
Can pose questions specifically to a state chapter
Hands & Voices Bulletin Board:http://www.handsandvoices.org/hv/phpBB2/
Communication Strategies:One-on-one personal communication
Phone communication between Parent Guides and parent
Email communication between Parent Guides and parent
Facilitated phone/email contact between parents
In person meetings between Parent Guides and parents
Facilitated in person meetings between parents
Communication Strategies:Small Group Interaction
Small group interaction at a setting familiar to the parent
Parent group at a school, church or cultural center
Small group interaction at a setting unfamiliar to the parent
Host organization’s site
Public Place
Communication Strategies:Large Group Involvement
Social Events
Educational Workshops
Retreats
Regional Family Activities/Socialization Days
Application to Other States(Or What I’ve Learned the Hard Way)
Events require months of advanced noticeAdvertisements in more than one way/timeMarketing needs to “speak” to parentsTiming must be convenientBarriers to participation need to be removed
CommunicationFinancialChild CareParkingSite Location
Other Take Home Points
Make events annual for the best attendance
Vary your events so they are accessible
Strive to appeal to appeal to different ages
Offer events in a variety of locations in your state
Get buy-in/support/recruitment from all groups
Check for Balance/Fairness
Experiment with interesting topics
Mix fun/social events with education
Conclusion
Parent education is an opportunity to bring necessary information to families at pivotal decision-making moments in their lives.
Many different communication strategies must be engaged in order to reach families at different levels.
A family armed with support, information and tools to advocate for their child…priceless!
Contact InformationCandace Lindow-Davies
Family Support CoordinatorMN Hands & Voices
Family Support ConnectionLifetrack Resources
709 University Avenue WestSt. Paul, MN 55104-4804
866-346-4543Candaced@lifetrackresources.orgwww.familysupportconnection.org
Contact Information
Karen Putz
President
Illinois Hands and Voices
www.Ilhandsandvoices.org