Resource Link

https://gac.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gac/documents/supported-decision-making/sdm-for-pwd-final-1-26-2022.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This document is a training presentation about Supported Decision-Making in Illinois. It was created by the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to help people understand how adults with disabilities can get help making decisions while keeping their rights and independence. The presentation uses simple language and pictures to explain what Supported Decision-Making is and how it works.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making lets adults with disabilities choose someone they trust to help them make choices, instead of having a guardian make decisions for them. The helper is called a Supporter. A Supporter can be a family member or close friend, but not an employer or service provider. They help with things like medical care, money, housing, work, and school. The person with a disability (called the Principal) still makes their own final decisions. To start Supported Decision-Making, the person with a disability and their chosen Supporter sign an agreement. This agreement lists what kinds of help the person wants. Two other people must watch them sign it. The person can choose to share their private records with their Supporter by signing special forms. They can also end the agreement any time they want by tearing it up or saying they want to end it. The agreement is a legal document in Illinois. Service providers must follow it unless the person says not to. If anyone thinks a Supporter is hurting or taking advantage of someone, they should call Adult Protective Services. The presentation shows how this works through a story about Tony, who asked his sister Mary to be his Supporter for medical and money decisions. After a few years, Tony learned to handle these things on his own and ended the agreement. For students with disabilities who are 14½ or older, schools should include practice with Supported Decision-Making in their education plans. When students turn 18, they can make their own choices about school unless they have a guardian. They can use Supported Decision-Making to get help with school decisions if they want to. The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission offers help for people who want to learn more. They have a phone number to call with questions and a website with more information. The goal is to help people with disabilities have more control over their lives while getting the support they need.