Being nonverbal and having a computerized voice can make phone calls challenging especially with people who are not familiar with how you communicate. I typically only call my family and close friends who know to be patient while I form my messages on my computer to speak them out loud. Although it helps when I turn on the feature where I have set my computer to say each word as I type, strangers will often hang up when I answer the phone call. I do much better with text and email. So, I came up with a brilliant plan!
I created a voicemail greeting that lets whoever calls know that I am nonverbal and how the best way to contact me is. I even included my email address and the messaging system that my doctors use. Here is what the voice mail says….
“Hey. You have reached Megan Fry’s voicemail. The best way to get a hold of me is by text and email because I’m nonverbal. My email is meganmoorefry@gmail.com. If you are a doctor, please use my chart to communicate with me. But please feel free to leave a voicemail with your information, and I will get back to you.”
Advertisements
I used to have doctors call my mom due to them not understanding the way I talk. Now, thanks to this voice mail I can take over my health. In addition, I also have a pre-done button that I can say if I pick up a phone call letting them know that I talk with a computer and preparing them to wait until I type my response to them. Here is what the button says…
“Hey. This is Megan. Remember I am nonverbal and use a computer to communicate. So please be patient while I type to respond to you.”
With all of these things, I can be in charge of my life, which is so important to any 24-year-old! I hope by sharing this information, it will help others. Maybe having a voicemail that says to text them would help a deaf person as well.
Megan Fry 