Coding for Blind Constituents

Daniel Noga 2

Hello everyone,



We just got word of our first blind constituent, who asked that we contact her by phone because she is blind. Though this is a rare occurrence, we've decided it might be a good idea to code her. Does anyone else work for an organization that tracks data regarding visual impairment? How do you (or would you) go about coding Individuals as blind? Constituent Code?

Jen Claudy

I would use a Solicit Code and add a Note and/or Annotation to the Constituent Record.  The Solicit Code, assuming you have a system of these (either in the Solicit Code field or in Attributes, as many of us prefer to put them) should prevent her from receiving mailings in the future.  The Annotation can be set to pop up automatically so that whenever someone opens that record, it alerts them to this information.  You may also want to contact her, provided she is receptive, and ask about email.  I believe there are systems where the computer will "read" the email message aloud.  Depending on how close/important she is as a donor, you may want to set up Actions with reminders so that someone on your staff calls her whenever you send out a newsletter or something to let her know what's happening at your organization.

Nicole S

I think that Jennifer has offered a good answer.  One thing I would do is contact an organization that may have more visually impaired constituents.  In my area there is the Foundation Fighting Blindness, although I can't remember if they use RE.  Even if the org doesn't, I am sure they might have some helpful suggestions.

Daniel Noga 2

Thanks, Jennifer and Nicole! 



It looks like a Solicit Code would work, but wouldn't be enough on its own. It's a detail that I'm afraid could be overlooked too easily. I like the suggestion to add an Annotation to her record.