Building Relationships – Sustaining Systems Change: Lessons Learned – Strategies that

are Working

Lisa Brack

DPN, Delaware

Lessons Learned

Get support from your Office Manager Formally present your role to the staff “Experts on nothing…knowledgeable about a lot” Research, contact, and present to various

organizations “You go first” Learn what resources people need – and navigate

until you find them

Lessons Learned: Sustainability

Information was meant to be forwarded - always have your contacts in mind when you obtain new information

Always claim that you know everything – and then go find what you just said you know

Anyone can use the Internet and be “resourceful” today -- take the time to find the resources that no one else has

Lessons Learned: Case Management

Use the following words: “don’t”, “can’t”, and “won’t”

Use this line: “I can’t help you if I’m scheduled to help other people“

“I am here to help YOU - help others…by providing you with appropriate resources that will better serve your client”

“Behind the Scenes” staff

Strategies: Staff Training

Use “Access For All” Manual to train staff on disability topics, issues, law, etc.

(www.communityinclusion.org) Use online course, “At your service:

Welcoming Customers with Disabilities” to train staff on working with persons with disabilities

(www.wiawebcourse.org)

Strategies: Creative Communication

Create “Navigator Newsletter” to document your weekly, well-researched resources

Distribute to One-Stop Career Center Staff, Vocational Rehabilitation, SSA offices, Private/Public Disability Organizations, Educators, Colleges/Universities, Transportation Agencies, Employers, etc.

Strategies: Creative Training

Create games, crossword puzzles, etc. using disability fonts to make learning fun – if you’re going to make them learn – at least make it interesting

Download disability fonts at:Braille font: www.braillecode.com/braille-alphabet.html

Gallaudet font: www.deafnetmd.org

Positive Outcomes

DPN role is understood Good relationship with DVR (No longer

sharks in the ocean – DPN 1st Conference) Connected with many disability organizations

in the state Navigator Newsletter on state Intranet site AT Software purchase/computer accessibility

changes

Conclusion

If I navigate, teach my navigational routes, and share my navigational findings, then when I’m gone, there will be a “state full of Navigators” to continue my navigation.