MEE foundation also thinks with you

What does MEE do in the role of Thinker?

"Everyone would prefer to live a happy and valuable life. A life in which you count and participate. That is not always easy. For example, because you have a disability or a permanent illness. Because then arranging your daily life can be complicated. Think of arranging a place to live, Health, money matters, parenting, day care, transportation, work and education. If you could use a helping hand, an independent thinker from MEE can help. Together we find a solution". 

Who are you there for?

"MEE is committed to people with disabilities and their networks. In all areas of life and in all stages of life, so that they can participate in society."

What kinds of questions can people come forward with? 

"Through debt assistance, Elias' question came to me. The debt relief worker contacted me. We know each other from the network. Elias is a young person with an intellectual disability (developmental age of 6-12 years). He needed practical help with some regulation issues. Elias has quite a few debts that arose when his ex-girlfriend abused her kindness and took out loans in his name. He is very shocked by this and is working hard to pay off the debts." 

How were you able to help Elias?

"Through the court we applied for guardianship (someone who manages your money matters), so that Elias will be helped to pay off the debts as well as prevent problems in the future."

Through the courts? That seems like quite a big step.

"An interview at court is of course very exciting! As a thought leader, I went to court with Elias and his father. During the interview I mainly had a translating role. The judge's questions were difficult to understand and so I helped Elias understand and answer the questions."

How was Elias helped after this ruling?

"After the court's ruling, I helped Elias with arrangement issues surrounding the administrator's office. Administrators communicate in a language that is difficult for Elias to understand. Phrases like "please fill out the form below completely and return it to the address below" are abracadabra for him. I explained to the administrator about Elias' disability and what communication is desirable in this. Thus, the help of the collaborator goes beyond just supporting the client."

How are you as Meedenker in contact with the clients?

"There are different ways to be in contact with a client. For example, in Elias' case, I was in contact via Whatsapp, video calls, conversations in the office, as well as old-fashioned phone calls. The combination of these makes that I can be reached quickly via Whatsapp, but in a conversation in the office I have more time and attention for more extensive questions."

You have an advisory role. How do you see that reflected in your contact with the client, in your case at MEE?

"As a compassionate person, I try to connect with the client. I do this by adapting my language, but also following the client's pace. I don't make decisions for the client, but give the client information and options so they can decide for themselves. This allows people with disabilities to simply participate in society."