For people receiving support and those helping them plan
What communication preferences should we share with a provider?
Ask the person what helps them understand, express a preference, ask a question and say no. Record their choices in a short introduction that can be reviewed with the provider. A diagnosis or family description alone does not explain how someone wants to be addressed.
Ask about different situations
Communication may feel different in a quiet conversation, a busy community space or during an unfamiliar routine. Ask which formats and approaches help in those situations. Include the person’s preferred name and how they want others to check that they have understood.
Do not assume a family member should answer every question. Ask the person when they want help explaining something and when they want others to wait or speak directly to them.
Make preferences usable
Write concrete requests such as asking one question at a time or offering information in writing, if those are the person’s preferences. Avoid labels that can be interpreted in several ways. Ask which details the person wants shared and with whom.
If an interpreter, accessible format or other accommodation is needed, ask the relevant organization how to arrange it. A note in this worksheet is a request for discussion, not confirmation that the support has been arranged.
Keep the introduction current
Try reading the introduction back to the person. Ask what is missing, what is inaccurate and what they no longer want included. Confirm how an updated version will reach new workers or meeting participants.
Use the introduction alongside the current plan and agreed processes. It is not a behavior program, clinical assessment or substitute for the person’s choices in the moment.
How I prefer to communicate
Download this editable worksheet, add your notes, and bring it to the relevant planning conversation. Leave unknown details blank and identify who can confirm them.
Download worksheet (.txt)- Addressing me
- What name and way of addressing me do I prefer?
- Understanding information
- Which pace, format, environment or explanation helps me?
- Expressing a choice
- How do I want to ask questions, disagree, pause or say no?
- Support from others
- When do I want another person involved, and when should others speak directly to me?
- Sharing and updating
- Which details may be shared with whom, and how will I review this introduction?
An optional discussion tool, not an official assessment, authorization, service plan, or emergency plan. Keep completed copies private and share through an agreed channel.
Illustrative planning example
A person wants questions directed to them first and prefers time to think before a relative adds context. Their introduction states that preference clearly instead of saying only that the relative “handles communication.”
This example is invented to explain the worksheet; it is not a client story or a promised outcome.
Your next step
Review the introduction with the person and the provider before sharing it more widely. Ask how the provider will record and communicate the agreed preferences.
For a conversation with Clemens Health about your Twin Cities location, call (651) 354-1196 or send a referral. Service fit, authorization, and staffing need to be confirmed.
Minnesota resources
State resources explain program rules. The worksheet and examples are Clemens Health planning aids. Links were checked October 5, 2026; follow the current state guidance for eligibility and service questions.