When the Email Raises Questions: Respond With Confidence.
Your Voice Matters: Know How to Respond
We are living through a time of significant change. Changes are taking place within DVR, changes are affecting how services are delivered, and many individuals are experiencing delays, unanswered questions, or difficulty receiving the services they need in a timely and effective manner.
We may not be able to control every change happening around us. We may not be able to change every decision that is made. But we can change how we respond.
That is why knowing how to respond to emails and decisions from your DVR counselor is so important.
When you receive an email that leaves you confused, concerned, or unsure about what happens next, you do not have to respond out of frustration. You do not have to argue. And you do not have to assume that you have no options.
You can ask questions.
You can ask for decisions in writing.
You can ask for the reason behind a decision.
You can ask what policy or regulation supports it.
You can ask how the decision affects your IPE.
And you can ask what your options are for review or appeal.
Most importantly, you can create a record of what is happening in your case.
This section of the newsletter is designed to help you do exactly that. It provides information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, recognize when an email raises questions, and respond in a professional, clear, and confident way.
Our goal is not to create conflict with DVR staff. Our goal is to help individuals become stronger self-advocates.
We may not be able to control what is happening around us—but we can choose how we respond to it. We can respond with knowledge, professionalism, confidence, and strength.
Your voice matters. Your questions matter. And your ability to advocate for yourself matters.
THE POWER OF FOUR
Ask for four things:
The decision
The reason
The policy or regulation
Your review or appeal options
Additional responses, If DVR makes a decision that affects your services and you disagree:
Ask for the decision in writing.
Ask for the reason for the decision.
Ask what policy or regulation supports the decision.
Ask about your review and appeal rights.
Consider requesting a meeting with the DVR supervisor.
Keep copies of your emails, IPE, notices, and responses.
Your Voice Matters. Be Ready to Respond.
DVR communications can sometimes leave individuals with questions about their services, IPE, case status, or next steps.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for ongoing information, practical guidance, and sample responses to help you respond to DVR emails with knowledge, professionalism, confidence, and strength.
Each month, we’ll help you recognize when an email raises questions, what questions you can ask, and how to create a clear record of your case.
Know your options. Ask the right questions. Respond with confidence.
