On Tuesday, Jackie Vandenberg, who lives in NY with multiple system atrophy, asked people to share her open letter to family and friends. The goal of her letter is to help family and friends communicate with her better. I think it’s worth sharing with everyone as it is not MSA-specific but person-specific. Others may want to use this open letter as a model for their own letter to aide in communicating with your family and friends.
Dear friends and family,
I always appreciate when friends and family come to visit. I noticed
lately that some people struggle knowing how to talk with me as my
ability to communicate decreases. I have brainstormed a few things to help…
1) I enjoy socializing even though I cannot speak back. I’m interested
and am listening when others tell me about themselves. I like to hear
about how people are doing, their families, hobbies, vacations,
experiences, weekend activities, etc.
2) I wish to be spoken to as a person and an adult. Please speak to me
normally by not using slower or louder speech, or a reduced vocabulary
and sentence structures. I like to be part of the conversation by making
eye contact and being spoken to directly.
3) It’s easier/quicker for me to be asked ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions.
4) When we’re together you can talk or not talk, either is fine. I’m
comfortable with quiet too.
5) I use a piece of cardboard with the alphabet written out to
communicate, we call it a Ouija Board. I can point to letters to spell
out words. I need someone else to hold the cardboard and adjust it as I
go. It can take a while for me to spell out sentences so I appreciate
everyone’s patience. It’s ok if you don’t understand a word the first
few times, as Tom and Adrianne can attest to.
6) When I’m using the Dynavox communication device it’s ok to fix
letters/autocorrect for me.
7) A symptom of MSA is excessive drooling. If you’re comfortable doing
so you can use a tissue or washcloth to wipe my mouth.
8) The best way to contact me to make plans is on Tom’s cell phone
through call or text. I check my email and Facebook messenger every
couple of days and am happy to get messages there too.
I hope this list is helpful for everyone! I love having friends and
family visit and appreciate all of our time together.
With Love,
Jackie