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PRESENTATIONS
TALKS:
GUIDELINES FOR INTERVIEWING, INTERACTING & RESOLVING DISPUTES
WITH THOSE WHO HAVE INJURY/DISABILITY/ILLNESS
Expect:
a)
An extreme degree of denial, not only of the presenting problem,
but also of the presence of a medical condition that contributes
to the problem.
b) Subject to have difficulty finding words or an explanation for the behaviors
in question.
c) Speech to be slurred and difficult to understand.
These
symptoms may be residuals of language or memory problems
from injury, disability or illness and not necessarily indications
of substance abuse.Uncontrollable
gestures, involuntary movements and verbal outbursts may be
signs of disabilities from traumatic brain injury or other
forms of traumatic injuries causing loss of function or to
persons with disabilities caused by diseases affecting the
brain or central nervous system.
Therefore:
1.
Speak slowly and do not use complicated language.
2.
Remain
calm, state the reason for your presence and your plan of
action
3. Attempt
to make sure that all who are involved understand
the reason for the intervention and what behaviors have to occur
to end authority presence.
4. When
asking for explanation of subject's appearance and
circumstances, expect resistance and verbal abuse because the
subject will feel challenged.
5. Explain:
a)
What behaviors are expected and what will be tolerated.
b) How accountability is determined and consequences for noncompliance
with expectations.
6.
Remain as calm as possible
7.
Speak in a firm but restrained tone of voice
8.
Give simple, short directions for immediate resolution of situation.
WRITE THEM DOWN SO THAT
THERE IS NO MISUNDERSTANDING!
9. Expect
confusion, hostility and anger.
10.
Keep to the plan of involvement
that you have already stated, keep resolution steps simple.
11.
State
plan and resolution steps again if there is any doubt.
EXPECT:
HESITATION - CONFUSION - UNCERTAINTY - INDECISION
Psychiatric,
societal and vocational problems will most likely be present
in the support system of the subject involved in the incident
that required authority involvement. Often this individual
will have limited emotional, financial and community
resources.
THIS
IS NOT AN EXCUSE, SIMPLY AN EXPLANATION! |
