How to Choose a Provider

Know what you want
Write your questions down beforehand.
Be pleasant
You are checking this person out, and he or she is checking you out to see whether you can work together.
You want this person to like you.
Know what kind of questions to ask
- What kind of experience does he/she have working with people with disabilities?
- What kind of services does he or she offer? (e.g., job development, on-the-job training, follow-along)
- Explain the different training methods the organization has used for on-the-job training and follow-along.
- Will I be updated weekly, bi-monthly, monthly? (your preference is...)
- Can I call the job developer during the job search process?
- Describe some "typical" jobs that have been developed through your agency?
- Explain your strategies behind developing jobs for people with disabilities.
- How much time will you spend working on this task? Weekly? Monthly?
Be clear about your needs
Explain your expectations as clearly as possible.
Ask the person whether he or she can meet those expectations.
Do you like this person?
Do you trust this person?
Does he or she treat you with respect?
How does this person present him or herself? How does he or she present the people he or she serves?