Did I help create a positive and non-threatening atmosphere?
Did I reassure the professional that one goal was to help identify our needs
so we can work together to take advantage of all resources available?
Did I make sure close family members and significant others were invited to
participate?
Did I help establish rapport and did I put the professional at ease before
beginning?
Did I learn the name of he professional(s) present?
Did I acknowledge each professional's presence, especially by thanking him
or her for being present?
Did I pay attention to each professional's concerns and statements about how
my family could address our needs?
Did I make written or mental notes to be certain that the needs of my family
can be addressed in detail?
Did I clarify concerns by reflecting upon what was said, rephrasing
statements, and asking for explanations of more detail?
Did I try to elaborate on the reasons for our needs? (Knowing why we lack a
certain resource may help guide a professional to the most appropriate sources of aid and assistance.)
Did I respond to verbal and non-verbal messages from all professionals?
Did I use open-ended questions and requests for clarification to get
information and demonstrate concern?
Did I reach consensus with the professional regarding priority needs and
goals?
Taken from Resource Manual for Families of Children with Special Needs, West Virginia University
