Sharing information about your history, struggles and things that help you, will support your ability to self-advocate. This information is important to educate your support circle or legal counsel.

While it may feel embarrassing, overwhelming or scary to share information, it will help ensure you get fair and equal access to justice and legal support. Talk to your lawyer about what kind of information will be helpful in your legal process.

The questions below are designed to help you think about what you need. Make notes and bring them to your lawyer’s appointment so they can better understand how to share information with you.

To help others understand your specific challenges and needs, circle, highlight or check off what challenges affect you.

Next, circle, highlight or check off the strategies that are helpful to you.

You are the expert of your own situation — add strategies and tools we haven’t listed that you find helpful.

Use this printable PDF as a reminder of how to cope with difficult challenges and share it with your lawyer or any persons in your support network.

Brain injury can result in challenges with aspects of communication such as Listening, Understanding and Remembering, Listening and Hearing, Thinking, Speaking and Communicating, and Social Communication.

These challenges can make it harder to follow conversations, remember details, organize thoughts, find the right words, and understand social cues — especially in stressful or noisy environments.

Why these challenges matter in the justice system: Legal conversations are often fast, use complex terms, and happen under stress. Clear communication is essential for understanding what is happening and advocating for yourself.

What Can You Do?

• Tell your lawyer and probation/parole officer about your brain injury and what helps you communicate.
• Ask them to speak more slowly and pause between ideas.
• Ask for important information to be written down.
• Request clarification using different words if needed.
• Ask for a quiet room with minimal distractions.
• Take breaks or deep breaths when needed.
• Consider requesting a Communication Intermediary in court.

Complete these questions when you are with your lawyer. You can either print them (PDF), or fill them out online, save and email the form.

If you are recording your answers on paper, be sure to take a picture and save it to your phone, or upload it to a cloud system.

Remember:

• To give your lawyer a copy of your Brain Injury Identification Card
• Review “What Your Lawyer Should Know About You”

Always ask permission of participants before recording a meeting.

1. Ensure you have access to technology, internet and the meeting link ahead of time.
2. If you need support, ask your lawyer or contact BIST/OBIA or your local Brain Injury Association.
3. Set up reminders and alerts on your calendar and/or phone as soon as you receive notice of the meeting.
4. Ask for an agenda ahead of time or a list of information/documents that may be required.
5. Ask a support person to attend if possible to help record information.
6. Conduct the meeting in a quiet location. Use headphones to block out distractions.
7. Test the platform ahead of time.
8. If you find it difficult to understand the platform, ask if you can use one you already know (e.g. Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp).
9. Ask if you can record the meeting or request a copy if it is being recorded.
10. Remind participants to speak slowly, summarize main points, and only have one person speak at a time.
11. If looking at a screen is difficult, ask if you need to keep your camera on.
12. Schedule the meeting at a time of day when you are at your best.
13. Ask questions if you do not understand.
14. Ask for a break if needed.
15. Ask for the meeting to be as brief as possible.
16. Keep yourself muted to reduce background noise.
17. Ask for information to be repeated.
18. Ask for a written summary of the meeting outcomes to be emailed to you.

Helpful Video: How to Prepare for a Virtual Court Meeting

These dollar store items can help with stress in situations which may cause you anxiety. Have these items nearby to help reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Breath mint & Hand lotion
Breath mints can be grounding tools. Once you put it in your mouth, focus on the taste and coolness. This also works with hand lotion — as you put it on, focus on how it feels on your skin. Works with both scented and unscented cream.

Stress Balls
Stress balls can help alleviate nervous energy. Try rolling the ball across your leg or arm, or squish it between your hands. Try a variety of squish balls with different weights, textures, and ones that make noise to see what works best for you.

Coil bracelets and Rubber Bands
If you are easily distracted, try wearing elastic bands or coil bracelets on your wrists. The snapping of the rubber bands can help decrease unwanted thoughts, alleviate anxiety and help you focus.

Cold Water & Ice Pack
If you become overwhelmed, overheated, dizzy, light-headed, irritated, or anxious, try an ice pack or drink a cold glass of water. The temperature change can help bring down your emotional stress level.

Here are some helpful technology tips and tools to help you stay organized during your legal process.

Helpful Videos for Staying Organized: