Negotiating your rights

• Most people are willing to accommodate your communication needs. However, they may not know how to do this.
• Don’t expect people to know what works best for you. Your role is to tell them what you want them to do.
• Put people at ease, by smiling and greeting them, especially if they look nervous or afraid of you.
• Start communicating.
• If the person has difficulty understanding your message, explain what you want them to do. You could have some phrases ready in your device, show them your instructions on how to communicate with you or give them your communication access card.
• Use polite words to encourage people to follow your instructions.
• Give positive and constructive feedback to help people accommodate your communication access needs. Remember, this may be new for them.