SDM-TAP Resource Library

Promoting Independence as an Alternative to Guardianship in Maine

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making lets people with disabilities stay in control of their own lives while getting help when they need it. Just like everyone else, people with disabilities can ask trusted friends, family members, or professionals for advice about important choices. The person with a disability, called the Decision-Maker, picks who they want to help them. These helpers are called supporters. The Decision-Maker stays in charge and makes the final choice - the supporters just help them understand their options. The guide explains that people might want help with different kinds of choices, like managing money, making medical decisions, choosing where to live, or handling job matters. They can ask for different kinds of help too, like gathering information, understanding choices, or sharing their decision with others. The guide includes forms where people can write down what kind of help they want and who they want to help them. In Maine, this approach is now recognized by law as an option instead of guardianship. Before courts will consider guardianship, they must first look at less restrictive options like Supported Decision-Making. The guide explains other helpful tools too, like powers of attorney, release forms that let supporters see private information, and special bank accounts. To use Supported Decision-Making, the Decision-Maker fills out an agreement form saying who their supporters will be and what kind of help they want. Everyone signs the form, and the Decision-Maker signs it in front of a notary. The agreement can be changed anytime the Decision-Maker wants. They can also fire supporters or add new ones. The guide reminds readers that making decisions is a skill that takes practice. Even if someone makes a poor choice sometimes, that doesn't mean they can't make their own decisions. The goal is to help people with disabilities keep their independence while giving them the support they need to make informed choices about their lives.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English Adults Maine

Supported Decision-Making Also Known As The Dustin Gary Act

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making lets adults with disabilities choose trusted people to help them make choices about their lives. These helpers are called supporters. The person with a disability (called the Decision-Maker) picks what kinds of help they want and for which decisions. They might want help with things like money, healthcare, housing, work, or relationships. This way of making decisions became law in Louisiana in August 2020. Before forcing someone to give up their right to make choices through a process called Interdiction, the law now says other less strict options must be tried first. Supported Decision-Making is one of these options. The guide walks through how to choose supporters and make a written agreement. The Decision-Maker picks people they trust, like family, friends, or others in their life. These supporters agree to help in specific ways, but they don't make decisions for the person. The agreement must be signed by everyone and witnessed by a notary. The guide includes a sample agreement form and explains what to do if problems come up. It talks about what to do if a supporter isn't helping the right way or if someone can't find enough supporters. It also lists places to get more help and information. The main point is that adults with disabilities have the right to make their own choices, even if they need help understanding options or sharing their decisions. Supported Decision-Making helps protect this right while making sure people get the support they need to live as independently as possible.

Training, Information, Guide English Adults Louisiana

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Supported Decision Making

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making is a way to help people with disabilities choose what they want in life. Instead of taking away someone's right to make choices, SDM helps them learn and grow. The goal is to keep people in charge of their own lives while giving them support when they need it. Everyone makes decisions with help from others, but people with disabilities are often left out of choosing for themselves. This can make them feel powerless and hurt their confidence. SDM is different. It says that having a disability does not mean someone can't make good choices. The document talks about how important it is to listen to people and help them learn. Supporters should be people the person trusts. These supporters help by explaining information, talking about choices, and making sure the person's wishes are heard. They don't make choices for the person but help them understand their options. Sometimes families think guardianship is the best way to help. Guardianship means someone else makes choices for a person. But this can actually harm the person's growth and happiness. SDM suggests trying other ways to support decision-making before choosing guardianship. People with disabilities face many challenges when trying to make choices. They might be scared to speak up. They might not know how to ask for help. Some doctors and helpers don't believe they can make good choices. This can make it hard for them to get the care and support they need. The main message is simple: Everyone deserves to have a say in their life. People with disabilities can learn to make choices. They can have good lives when they get the right support. SDM is about respect, learning, and helping people do what matters most to them. The training ends by showing that SDM is about more than just making choices. It's about building skills, growing as a person, and being part of the community. With the right help, people can learn to speak up for themselves and live the life they want.

Training, Information, Guide English Any age Colorado

PREPARE for Your Care

Content Summary: The website has tools that help people write down their wishes for medical care. These tools are called advance directives. You can get advance directives for any state. They come in English and Spanish. In California, you can get them in eleven languages. Anyone can use the website. You can make an account if you want to save your work. You can also use it as a guest without making an account. PREPARE teaches five main steps for planning medical care. First, you pick someone to help make medical choices. Then you think about what matters most to you in life. Next, you decide how much freedom your helper should have. After that, you tell others what you want. Last, you learn what to ask doctors. The website has a long movie that shows real stories about medical planning. The stories show different kinds of people making medical choices. Some people in the stories are healthy. Others are sick. The stories come from people with different backgrounds. PREPARE has many parts on its website. It shows how to use a computer and how to use the website. It gives step-by-step help for each part of planning. You can write down what you want and fill out legal forms. The website also has tools for doctors and other helpers. These include papers to give to patients and guides for talking about medical care. People who want to teach others can learn how to show the PREPARE movie to groups. The PREPARE team worked with many different kinds of people to make their website. They worked with patients, caregivers, and community members. They want to make sure everyone gets good medical care. They try to fix unfair treatment in health care. All these tools help people think ahead about medical care. They make it easier to share your wishes with others. They also help make sure everyone gets good care, no matter who they are.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English, Spanish, Mandarin, Armenian, Korean, Arabic, Farsi, Russian, Vietnamese, Tagalog Older adults, Adults United States

Role of Decision Supports in Elder Abuse Prevention and Recovery

Content Summary: The video explains that we need better ways to help older adults make decisions about their lives and money. One good way is called Supported Decision Making (SDM). This system lets older adults get help with choices while staying in control. Abuse can happen when older adults don't plan ahead for who will help them. It can also happen when helpers get too much control, even if they mean well. Just having a legal guardian doesn't always keep someone safe from abuse. The best way to protect older adults is to have several people helping them make choices, not just one person. Helpers watch out for each other and make sure things are done right. Some older adults who have been abused may need more time to think about choices. They might need special tools like tablets or writing boards to share their thoughts. To stop money abuse, there need to be clear rules about who can do what with an older person's money. Some good tools include ""read-only"" access to bank accounts and having someone assigned to manage benefit payments. This lets helpers assist while making sure no one can steal money. The video also talks about other ways to help, like using GPS tracking for safety or setting up rides and food delivery. It can help to build a network of trusted helpers. Helpers should know when they must report abuse they see. The video ends by sharing a toolkit full of resources about protecting older adults. The main message is that older adults can stay safe and independent with the right kind of help. Having several helpers who check on each other works better than giving one person total control. With good planning and the right tools, we can prevent abuse while helping older adults live the way they choose.

Information, Policy, Guide English United States

Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship Alternatives

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making means getting help from people you trust to make your own decisions. This is different from guardianship, where a judge takes away your right to choose and gives that power to someone else. Everyone uses some form of supported decision-making when they ask friends for advice or talk to experts before making big choices. The guides explain that people with disabilities should have the chance to make their own decisions with support. Research shows that when people with disabilities have more control over their lives, they do better. They are more likely to work, live on their own, and be safe and healthy. For money management, the guides show how to track income and expenses. They explain how to make budgets and decide between things you need and things you want. People can work with trusted supporters to understand their benefits like SSI or Medicaid. The guides also cover ABLE accounts, which let people save money without losing their benefits. In health care, supporters can help explain symptoms to doctors and understand treatment options. They can help ask questions and make sure the person understands what the doctor says. The person still makes the final choice about their care. For students in special education, the guides explain how to request evaluations and create goals that build decision-making skills. Students can lead their own IEP meetings and work with teams to plan for life after school. This includes preparing for college, jobs, and living independently. The guides give step-by-step advice for creating a supported decision-making plan. First, people identify areas where they want help. Then they choose supporters like family, friends, or professionals. Next, they decide how they want to be supported. Finally, they can write agreements that explain their support network. These agreements can protect people from unnecessary guardianship. Nebraska law says guardianship should only happen if it is the least restrictive option. Having a supported decision-making agreement shows there is a better alternative. The guides emphasize that supported decision-making looks different for each person. Some people need more help than others. Some want support with money but not health care. The key is that the person chooses their supporters and decides how they want help. The documents provide contact information for organizations that can help people learn about and use supported decision-making. These include disability rights groups, vocational rehabilitation services, and independent living centers. The guides stress that many people with disabilities can make their own decisions when they have the right support, and this leads to better, more independent lives.

Guide, Tool/form English, Spanish Adults Wisconsin

Supported Decision-Making in DC Public Schools

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making lets students stay in charge of their own lives. It works by having students pick trusted helpers. These helpers might be parents, family members, or other adults they trust. The helpers explain things to students and help them think about their choices. This way of getting help is different from guardianship. With guardianship, someone else makes choices for the student. With Supported Decision-Making, the student makes their own choices. To start using Supported Decision-Making, students fill out a form. On this form, they write down who their helpers will be. They also write what kind of help they want. The school keeps this form in their records. Students can also give someone Power of Attorney. This means they pick someone to help with money or health care if they can't do it themselves. If a student does this, they should tell their school. Parents can still be part of their child's schooling in some ways. If parents claim their child on their taxes, they can see school records. But they need their child's okay to join meetings or help make choices. This program helps students learn to make good choices as they become adults. They can practice making choices while people they trust help them. This helps students feel more sure about making choices on their own. The program finds a good balance. It lets students be more on their own while still getting help when they need it. This helps students grow and learn while staying safe. Students with disabilities can use this program to get ready for adult life. They learn how to think about choices and pick what's best for them. They also learn when and how to ask for help.

Information English Transition-age youth, Adults United States, District of Columbia (D.C.)

Supporting Individuals to Live Full Lives Toolkit

Content Summary: This toolkit is made to give families, people, and professionals information about SDM. It also gives tools to make SDM agreements. SDM is an alternative to guardianship. It lets people stay in charge of their choices while getting help from supporters they trust. Supporters can be family members, friends, or professionals. Their role is to help the person know their options, get information, and say their choices. A SDM agreement is a legal form where the person lists the choices they need help with. It names their chosen supporters. The person remains in control of their choices, and supporters cannot make decisions for them. SDM is helpful for a range of decisions, including healthcare, finances, housing, and education. The toolkit explains how to get started with SDM. This means talking about goals, choosing supporters, and making agreements. It gives worksheets and forms to guide people and their supporters in setting up agreements. The toolkit notes that learning to make choices is a long process. When people make their own choices, they become more independent and sure. SDM can reduce the need for restrictive guardianship, which can take away a person’s rights. The guide tells families how to use SDM instead of guardianship. This could be Powers of Attorney, which allow people to keep control over their lives. In addition to defining SDM, the toolkit gives resources. One example is the Wisconsin SDM agreement form. It gives examples of how SDM works in real life. It gives advice on updating agreements as needed. It highlights that SDM is a flexible, empowering tool that supports individuals. It promotes living full, independent lives while receiving the assistance they need.

Tool/form English, Spanish Any age Wisconsin

The Right to Make Choices: International Laws and Decision-Making by People with Disabilities

Content Summary: The toolkit explains how people with disabilities can make choices with help from others. This is called Supported Decision-Making (SDM). It shows the difference between SDM and guardianship. Guardianship is where someone else makes choices for a person with disabilities. The toolkit uses simple words and pictures, like a comic book, to explain these ideas. The toolkit has five main parts. First, it explains what SDM means and how it works. It describes what makes a good supporter and the different ways people can help. It also shows how to fill out forms to name someone as your official supporter. Next, it talks about laws from different countries that affect how people with disabilities make choices. It looks at laws from the United States, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Israel. It also explains an important agreement called the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. The toolkit includes a word list that explains hard terms in simple ways. At the end, readers can find contact info for ASAN's policy director. People can reach out with questions or share how they plan to use the toolkit. The toolkit comes in two versions to meet different needs. The easy-to-read version has pictures and simple text. The plain-text version works well for people who use screen readers or prefer reading without pictures. Both versions share the same helpful info about making choices and laws that affect people with disabilities.

Information, Guide, Tool/form English Transition-age youth, Children United States

Working with your SDM Team

Content Summary: SDM means getting help from people you trust to make your own choices. This is how most people make big choices - they talk to others and get advice. With SDM, you pick trusted people who can give you info and help you think through options. These helpers are called your support team. You get to choose who is on your team. You might want just one or two people, or you might want more. Team members can be family, friends, staff who help you, or others you trust. It's good to pick people who know about different things, like money, health care, or planning for the future. Your team can change over time as your needs change. Your team should talk to each other and meet sometimes to stay up to date on your life. Team members might not always agree with each other about what's best. This can be good because it helps you see different views. But the most important thing is that they listen to you and respect that you get to make the final choice. Sometimes you might want to make a choice that your team thinks is not good. This is called "dignity of risk." It means you have the right to make some bad choices and learn from them. Your team should still be there to help if things don't work out well. If someone on your team isn't helping well or doesn't respect your choices, you can change your team. Just thank them for their help and let them know you want to find someone else. Then you can look for a new team member. The document ends with a list of places to learn more about SDM. These include websites, videos, and tools to help you start using SDM. There are also places to get free legal help with papers like Power of Attorney forms. SDM can help people with disabilities have more control over their lives. Studies show that when people make more of their own choices, they often get better jobs, live more on their own, and stay safer. The main point is to help people with disabilities be in charge of their own lives as much as they can.

Information, Guide, Tool/form English Any age Virginia, United States

Ohio Network for Innovation (ONI) Supported Decision Making Resources

Content Summary: The resource map covers nine main areas of life. In the health area, you can find guides about growing up, talking to doctors, and knowing your rights. There are also tools to help you make your own health choices and work with healthcare providers. For work-related help, the map shows you how to plan for a job. It shows how to learn about work with a disability. It includes links about work rights and getting help to find and keep a job. The education section has tools to help students speak up for themselves and make their own choices. It also gives tips for teachers and helps with school planning meetings. For housing, there are checklists to help you think about what you want in a home. It says how to live with others. The daily living section has worksheets about making choices in different parts of your life. It includes simple charts, videos, and lists of ways to use supported decision-making. The legal section helps lawyers work with people who use supported decision-making. For money matters, there are guides about managing money. This could include picking someone to help you with money. There's also a form to help you make a budget. The aging section has lots of help for older adults. It includes reading materials and videos about making choices as you age. It lists many resources about staying safe, healthy, and independent. For relationships, you can learn about making friends in your community and having healthy relationships. The map also links to the Supported Decision-Making Network of Ohio, which has more tools and guides. All these resources work together to help people understand and use supported decision-making in their everyday lives. They show how to make choices and get support while staying in control of your life.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English Transition-age youth United States

Colorado Supported Decision Making-A Guide for Parents

Content Summary: When children with disabilities turn 18, parents often think about getting guardianship. But guardianship can take away a person's rights and freedom. Supported Decision-Making offers a better way to help young adults make choices. With Supported Decision-Making, the person with a disability stays in charge of their own life. They choose trusted people to help them understand choices and make decisions. These supporters can be family, friends, teachers, or other people who care about them. The guide suggests asking some key questions before seeking guardianship. Can your child make decisions with help? Do they have a plan for growing more independent? Are there trusted people in their life? If you answer yes to these, guardianship might not be needed. Guardianship can have big downsides. A judge might not choose parents as guardians. People without guardians often have more jobs, live on their own, and make more friends. Guardianship can be hard to change and costs money. Supported Decision-Making lets people keep their rights. The person always makes the final choice. Supporters help by finding information, talking through choices, and helping communicate decisions. They might help someone understand medical choices, school plans, or money matters. The guide suggests some legal papers that can help, like a Power of Attorney. These papers let supporters help with specific areas like health care or school records. Parents can get these papers without always needing a lawyer. The document answers many questions parents might have. What if a doctor doesn't want to work with the plan? What if parents are divorcing? What if the young adult wants to change supporters? The guide offers clear advice for these situations. The most important message is simple: People with disabilities have the right to make their own choices. With the right support, they can live more independent and happy lives. Supported Decision-Making is a way to help them do this. This resource can help parents move from protecting their children to supporting their growth and independence. It shows that there are caring ways to help young adults make choices that work for them.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth Colorado

Supported Decision-Making: Tools to Support Adults With Disabilities (2023)

Content Summary: The panel talks about supported decision-making as a way to help people with disabilities make their own choices. Supported decision-making means a person with a disability gets help to understand, make, and share their decisions. It's an option instead of conservatorship, which gives a court the power to put someone else in charge of a person's life choices. The speakers explain that in 2022, California passed a law (AB 1663) that makes supported decision-making official. This law says adults with disabilities can choose people to help them make choices about their healthcare, money, school, and other parts of life. The person with a disability stays in control of their decisions. The panel shares why this matters. Otto, who uses typing to talk instead of speech, explains that all people deserve to control their own lives. Linda points out that conservatorship can take power away from families, not just the person with a disability. The court can override family wishes and even replace family members with strangers. The speakers give tips for three main areas where people might need help making choices: 1. Money decisions - using joint bank accounts, automatic bill pay, or authorized forms 2. School decisions - having students lead their IEP meetings and practice making choices 3. Healthcare decisions - using plain language forms, medical passports, and healthcare directives. They stress that forms and plans should use simple words that people can understand. They show examples of both complex and simple versions of the same forms. The panel explains that supported decision-making isn't one-size-fits-all. People can choose who helps them with which decisions. They can also change or end these agreements at any time. The goal is to find the least restrictive way to give people the help they need while keeping them in control of their lives. Otto reminds everyone that not speaking doesn't mean not thinking. People who can't talk still have thoughts and can make choices if given the right communication tools and support. The panel ends by sharing that more resources about supported decision-making will be available through a new technical assistance program. This program will provide training, materials, and grants to help more people learn about and use supported decision-making in California.

Information, Guide English Any age United States

Consent and Decision-Making

Content Summary In the past, other people made all the decisions for people with IDD. Family members or doctors would choose what was best for them. People thought this was the right way to protect people with disabilities. Now we know this was wrong. People with IDD have the same rights as everyone else to make choices about their own lives. The document explains that people with IDD can learn to make good decisions when they get the right support. They should be able to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes. This helps them grow and become more independent. Everyone needs practice to get better at making decisions, including people with disabilities. Supported decision-making is a new way to help people with IDD. Instead of having someone else make all their choices, people with IDD pick trusted friends or family to help them think through big decisions. This is very different from guardianship, where one person has legal power to make all decisions for someone else. Research shows that people under guardianship often have fewer friends and are less likely to have jobs. The document shares two stories about a man named John to show how this works. In one story, John wants to donate a kidney to his brother. This is a very serious surgery with big risks. Even with help, John cannot fully understand what could happen to his own health. So the court decides he cannot make this choice. In the second story, John hurts his hand and needs minor surgery. His doctor explains the surgery in simple words and uses pictures. His father helps him think about the good and bad parts. John understands enough to decide he wants the surgery. The brief says that people with IDD should start practicing making choices when they are young. Researchers should work with people with IDD as partners, not just study them. Communities need to include everyone and make sure all people can participate. Laws should protect the rights of people with IDD to make their own decisions. The document calls for big changes in how we think about disability. Families and workers need better training about consent and decision-making. They need to listen to what people with IDD want and respect their choices. The goal is to build a world where people with IDD can grow their decision-making skills throughout their whole lives. This will help them live the lives they choose and be full members of their communities.

Information, Policy English Any age United States

Supported Decision Making in the Legal System for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Content Summary: It begins by defining supported decision-making in simple terms. It explains that SDM allows adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to get help making important life decisions while maintaining control over their own choices. Rather than having someone else make decisions for them, the person receives support to understand their options and make informed decisions themselves. This brochure also outlines how SDM can be set up through informal verbal agreements or formal written contracts. For written agreements, it provides a checklist of required elements, including specifying what support is needed, ensuring the supporter understands their legal responsibilities, and obtaining proper signatures and witnesses. It also focuses on how SDM fits into the legal system. It explains that courts must now consider supported decision-making before approving conservatorships and that people using SDM have the right to bring supporters to legal meetings and court proceedings. The document provides practical information about who can serve as a supporter—typically trusted family members, friends, or professionals chosen by the person with a disability. It clearly lists who cannot be a supporter, including anyone with abuse allegations or legal restrictions against them.It outlines five core principles: autonomy, inclusion, flexible support, and using the least restrictive assistance necessary. It concludes by defining what supporters can and cannot do, emphasizing that supporters help people understand information but never make decisions for someone else or sign documents on their behalf.

Information, Tool/form, Guide English Adults California

Financial Decision Making in the Legal System for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Content Summary: The resource begins by explaining what supported decision-making means in simple terms. It describes SDM as a personalized process that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities make life decisions while preserving their independence and self-determination. The key concept is that the person receives support to understand their options and make informed choices themselves, rather than having someone else make decisions for them. It outlines how SDM agreements can be set up either informally through verbal agreements or formally through written contracts. For written agreements, it provides a checklist of required elements, including specifying what support is needed, ensuring the supporter understands their legal responsibilities, and obtaining proper signatures and witnesses. The document also focuses on practical applications of SDM in financial decision-making. It provides concrete examples of how supporters can help, such as assisting with understanding the pros and cons of purchases, explaining credit card interest rates, and helping choose where to open bank accounts. The brochure emphasizes that supporters help gather and explain financial information so the person can make informed choices. It also explains who can serve as a supporter—typically trusted family members, friends, or professionals chosen by the person with a disability. It also clearly lists who cannot be a supporter, including anyone with abuse allegations or legal restrictions against them. The brochure outlines five core principles for SDM in financial decisions: autonomy, inclusion, personalized support, flexibility, and using the least restrictive assistance necessary. It concludes by clearly defining what supporters can and cannot do, emphasizing that supporters help people understand financial information but never make decisions for someone else, sign documents on their behalf, or participate in decisions where they have a financial conflict of interest.

Information, Tool/form, Guide English Adults California

Supported Decision-Making in Special Education Programs

Content Summary: Special education programs must help students with disabilities prepare for adult life. This means helping them get ready for more school, jobs, and living on their own. But studies show that school staff often tell parents to get guardianship for their child without talking about other choices first. Guardianship can hurt a person's health if they can actually make decisions with help. Supported Decision-Making is when you get help from people you trust to make your own choices. This is how most people make hard decisions anyway. You might ask a friend for advice or talk to an expert to get information. Then you use that help to decide what is best for you. A person named Jenny Hatch became famous for winning the right to use this instead of having a guardian. She showed a judge that she had people who helped her understand and make decisions. When people use Supported Decision-Making, they have more control over their lives. Research shows this leads to better outcomes. People are more likely to be independent, have jobs, and be safer. The same is true for students with disabilities. Those who can make more of their own decisions do better in school and after they graduate. The guide gives families several ways to ask for Supported Decision-Making help. They should start early, even with very young children. Parents can work with their child's IEP team to look at how well the student makes decisions. They can ask for testing to see what help the child needs. Students can lead their own IEP meetings to practice making decisions in a safe place. The guide suggests making special goals called "I Statement" goals. These are different from regular goals because they tell the student what they will do, not just what they must avoid. For example, instead of "The student will use good grammar," an I Statement goal might say "I will work with my teacher to pick topics I like and write about them using good grammar." This helps students practice getting help while learning. As students get older, they can get transition services to prepare for life after school. The guide mentions that PEATC has another booklet about these services. Throughout the process, families can contact PEATC for help and questions. The main message is that students with disabilities should learn to make their own decisions with support. This helps them avoid unnecessary guardianship and live more independent lives as adults.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth, Children Virginia

Supported Decision Making and Education

Content Summary: The webpage explains that students with intellectual and other disabilities get help from schools until they are 21 years old. This is because of a law called IDEA. This law says schools must help students get ready to live on their own as much as they can. IDEA requires something called transition planning. This usually starts when students are about 18 years old. The plan should help students move from school to adult life. It should help them live on their own and be part of their community. But there is a problem with how many schools do this planning. Too often, schools tell parents they need to become their adult child's guardian. This means the parent would make all the big choices for their child. The webpage says this is the opposite of what IDEA wants. IDEA wants students to learn to make their own choices. The law says schools should use the least strict option possible. This means if there is a way to help someone without taking away their rights, schools should try that first. The webpage argues that schools should tell families about other choices besides guardianship. They should especially talk about Supported Decision-Making. The webpage includes a quote from a parent who was glad to find out about Supported Decision-Making instead of guardianship. This parent did not want their child to lose the independence they had worked hard to build at school. It also has a link to a video about Supported Decision-Making. It says why Supported Decision Making is important when children turn 18 and become young adults. The webpage mentions that SDMNY did a pilot project that showed how well this process works for young adults leaving school. They found that Supported Decision-Making is a useful tool for students making this big change in their lives. The webpage suggests that schools should teach students about Supported Decision-Making as part of their transition classes. This way, by the time students leave school, they would already know how to make choices with help from people they trust. This would protect their right to make their own decisions as adults. The main point is that Supported Decision-Making fits better with what IDEA wants to achieve than guardianship does. It helps students keep their independence and rights while still getting the help they need.

Information English Transition-age youth, Children New York

Administration for Community Living Supported Decision Making Program

Introduction: The Administration for Community Living (ACL) website explains a program called Supported Decision Making (SDM). SDM helps adults with disabilities and older people make their own choices while getting help from people they trust. Content Summary: SDM is a way to help people make choices without giving up their rights to someone else. Giving up rights in this way is called guardianship. With SDM, people pick trusted friends or family members to help them make decisions. But they stay in control of their own choices. The program knows that different people need different kinds of help. Some might need help with money choices. Others might need help with health care or housing choices. Some people work best with one helper. Others like having a team. The program can be changed to fit what each person needs. In 2014, ACL created the National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making. This center ran for five years and did many helpful things. They shared info about what works well in SDM. They made training materials and taught many different people about SDM. This included teachers, lawyers, judges, and doctors. They gave money to 16 projects in 14 states to try out SDM ideas. After the first five years, ACL gave three more grants in 2019-2020. Each grant was worth $75,000, making a total of $225,000. The money went to groups in Kansas, Indiana, and Missouri. These groups worked with many partners, like aging agencies, disability rights groups, and people with disabilities. They made plans to help more people use SDM in their states. Two of these groups got extra time to finish their work. The program lasted until September 2021. During this time, they asked many people what they thought about their plans. The goal was to make sure the plans would work well for everyone who might need them. The main point of all this work is to help people keep control of their own lives. ACL believes that everyone should be able to live on their own and be part of their community, no matter their age or disability. SDM is one way to make this happen by giving people the right kind of help. It also lets them make their own choices. People who want to learn more about SDM can visit the National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making's website, which has lots of helpful information and materials that anyone can use.

Information, Tool/form English United States

Alta California Regional Center: Supported Decision Making

Content Summary: When someone has a disability, they might want help making choices about their life. SDM lets them pick people they trust to help them think about these choices. These trusted helpers could be friends, family members, or others who know them well. The person with a disability leads their SDM team and makes the final choices. The webpage tells people how to start using SDM. There is a blank form anyone can use to write down who will help them make choices. This form helps make everything clear and official. The site has two types of training about SDM. The first type is for people with disabilities and their families. These trainings come in many languages so more people can use them. People can get the training in Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Hmong, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese. This means most families can learn about SDM in a language they know well. The second type of training is for people in the community who want to learn about SDM. These people might be doctors, teachers, or others who work with people who have disabilities. The community trainings come in Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Hmong, Punjabi, Russian, and Spanish. All the training materials are easy to get. Each one is a PDF file that people can open with one click. The page makes it simple to find the right training in the right language. This helps make sure everyone can learn about SDM, no matter what language they speak. Alta California Regional Center wants to make SDM easy for everyone to understand and use. They know that when people get info in their own language, they can learn better. This helps more people with disabilities get the support they need to make their own choices.

Information, Tool/form, Training English, Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, Hmong, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese Any age California, United States

What kind of support do I want? Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool

Content Summary: The Supported Decision-Making Discovery Tool helps you think about how you want others to help you make choices. The first page explains that support can look different for each person and each choice. You use checkboxes to mark the kinds of help you might want. The tool lists many types of support spread across the first two pages. You can check if you want help filling out forms or writing. You can ask for information in simple words or pictures. You might want to talk with supporters about your choices or get their advice. The form includes options for doing research, talking to experts, or taking time to think. On the second page, there are more choices. You can ask for help making lists of good and bad points about each choice. Your supporters can remind you about what matters most to you. They can help you try different options to see what you like best. You might want help talking to others about your choice or using phones or computers to share your decision. The form also includes getting reminders about important dates, having supporters come with you to meetings, or taking classes to learn more. The third page has blank spaces. One section is for writing down other ways you like to be supported that weren't on the lists. The other section is for noting ways you do NOT want people to help you. This lets you make clear what kind of help feels right for you and what doesn't. All pages include pictures that show what each type of support looks like. The tool uses these images to help you understand each option better. With this form, you can create a plan that fits your needs and helps others know how to support you in ways that work best for you.

Tool/form, Guide English, Spanish Transition-age youth, Adults, Older adults Virginia

Relationship Map-Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool

Content Summary: The Relationship Map helps you think about who you want to support you in making decisions. When you use Supported Decision-Making, you are the Decision Maker. The people you choose to help you are called Supporters. You get to decide who you want as your Supporters. The form explains that you can pick anyone you want to be a Supporter. You can have many Supporters or just a few. Some people might help you with one part of your life, like health care or money. Others might help you with many different things. It's all up to you to decide. When picking Supporters, the tool suggests you think about people you trust. You should talk to these people to see if they agree to be your Supporters. The map helps you think about the different people who already help you in your life. The main part of the document shows a map with three circles. Your name goes in the center circle. The map is divided into four sections: Family, Friends, People who support you at work or school, and People who support you at home and other places. You write names in each section. The people you feel closest to go in the circle nearest to your name in the center. People you don't feel as close to, or don't ask for help as often, go in the outer circle. This visual way of organizing helps you see who is most important in your life and who you might want to ask for support. The Relationship Map is a simple but helpful way to think about your relationships. It shows who is already supporting you and helps you decide who to ask to be your official Supporters in a Supported Decision-Making Agreement. By filling out this map, you can make better choices about who will help you make decisions in different parts of your life.

Tool/form, Guide English, Spanish Transition-age youth, Adults, Older adults Virginia

Who Do I Want to Support Me? – Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool

Content Summary: The document starts by explaining what Supported Decision-Making Agreements are. You are the Decision Maker, and the people you choose to help you are your Supporters. You can pick just one person or many people to be your Supporters. Some might help you with just one area of your life, while others might help with many areas. It's your choice. The form asks you to look at your "Relationship Map" and "When Do I Want Support?" tools to help you figure out who to choose as your Supporters. It guides you through three key questions. First, what decisions do you need help with? Second, what skills and knowledge does someone need to help you? Third, who in your life has these skills and also makes you feel comfortable? The second page talks about how to ask someone to be your Supporter. It says it's normal to feel nervous about asking. The form gives you tips on what to think about before you ask, like what you want help with and how often you'll need help. You can ask someone by writing a letter, sending an email, or talking in person or on the phone. The document suggests explaining what a Supported Decision-Making Agreement is, what Supporters do, and exactly how you want them to help you. There are also tips for helpful tools to share with potential Supporters. You can give them a copy of the "Frequently Asked Questions" about Supported Decision-Making, links to the DBHDS website for more information, or a copy of your "What Kind of Support Do I Want?" discovery tool. The third page has a letter template called "Will You Be My Supporter?" You can use this to write to people you want as Supporters. The letter explains that a Supported Decision-Making Agreement shows who you want to help you, what areas you want help with, and how you want to be helped. It makes clear that you keep all your rights and make the final decisions. The template has spaces for you to fill in the life areas where you want help, the specific things you want help with, and how you like to be helped. It ends by asking the person to meet with you to fill out and sign your Supported Decision-Making Agreement.

Tool/form, Guide English, Spanish Transition-age youth, Adults, Older adults Virginia

Who has a copy of my Supported Decision-Making Agreement? Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool

Content Summary: The Supported Decision-Making Agreement Tracker helps you remember who has a copy of your agreement. At the top of the form, it says "Who has a copy of my Supported Decision-Making Agreement?" The form then has spaces for you to write down the names of people and when you gave them copies. There are sections for different types of people in your life. The first section is for your Supporters, who are the main people helping you make decisions. There are also spaces for doctors, your local hospital, and teachers. The form includes spots for your Support Coordinator or Case Manager and Waiver Providers, who might be part of your care team. You can also list family members, friends, and others who have copies of your agreement. Next to each category, there's a space labeled "Date Given" where you can write when you gave that person a copy. This helps you keep track of who has the most recent version of your agreement. Keeping good records is important because plans can change over time. At the bottom of the form is an important reminder. It says that if you make changes to your agreement or decide to cancel it, you need to tell everyone on your list. You should give them all an updated copy or let them know if you've canceled the agreement. This helps make sure everyone has the same information about how you want decisions to be made. The tracker is a simple but helpful tool. It keeps all the information in one place so you don't have to wonder who has seen your agreement. By keeping this list up to date, you make sure that everyone who helps you knows your current wishes. This form is just one page long, making it easy to keep with your other important papers.

Tool/form, Guide English, Spanish Transition-age youth, Adults, Older adults Virginia

SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING AGREEMENTS IN VIRGINIA: AN OVERVIEW

Content Summary: Supported decision-making means making choices with help from people you trust. These trusted people help you think about your options, but you make the final choice. A Supported Decision-Making Agreement is a written document that shows who you want to help you, what areas of life you need help with, and how you want to be helped. These agreements help people with disabilities get support while keeping their legal rights. The process helps people have more control over their lives. It's free and less restrictive than other options like guardianship. To create an agreement, you must be at least 18 years old, have an intellectual or developmental disability, and not have a legal guardian. You choose "Supporters" who are people you trust to help you understand and make choices. You can also pick a "Facilitator" to make sure the agreement works well, but this is not required. You can use supported decision-making at any age to practice making choices, even before turning 18. Learning to make choices takes time and should start early. There are tools on the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) website to help with this process. To make an agreement, talk with people you trust and use the activity sheets (called Discovery Tools) to think about what help you need, how you want help, and who should help you. You can use Virginia's form or create your own. If you make your own form, be sure to include who your Supporters are, when you want help, and how you want to get help. Everyone involved must agree and sign the form. More information about supported decision-making, including Discovery Tools and Virginia's template, can be found on the DBHDS website (www.DBHDS.virginia.gov).

Information English, Spanish Transition-age youth, Older adults, Transition-age youth Virginia

Commonwealth of Virginia: Supported Decision-Making Agreement

Content Summary: The Supported Decision-Making Agreement is a document that names a person with a disability as the "Decision Maker" and the people they trust as "Supporters." The Decision Maker keeps the right to make their own final choices. Supporters only give information, advice, and help understanding options. To create this agreement, the Decision Maker must be at least 18 years old, have an intellectual or developmental disability, and not have a legal guardian. The agreement can be changed or canceled at any time. The form is divided into nine main sections. Each section covers different areas where a person might want support: 1. Health and Personal Care - help with medical decisions, medications, and personal hygiene 2. Friends and Partners - help with dating, relationships, and social choices 3. Money - help with banking, budgeting, and financial decisions 4. Where I Live and Community Living - help with housing, chores, and community activities 5. School and Education - help with educational choices and accommodations 6. Working - help with employment decisions, benefits, and workplace issues 7. My Rights and Safety - help with voting, agreements, and staying safe 8. Meeting and Talking with My Supporters - help organizing supporters 9. Other - for any areas not covered in the first eight sections For each section, the Decision Maker can choose which Supporters will help with specific tasks. They can also write what Supporters MAY do and what they MAY NOT do. The agreement includes pages for signatures from the Decision Maker and all Supporters. There is an optional section for a "Facilitator" who can help coordinate meetings and ensure Supporters are acting properly. The form also includes optional notary sections and pages to track changes or cancellations. This document helps people with disabilities get the support they need while keeping control of their own lives. It is less restrictive than guardianship and helps people be more independent.

Tool/form, Guide English, Spanish Transition-age youth, Adults, Older adults Virginia

When Do I Want Support? Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool

Content Summary: The Supported Decision-Making Discovery Tool explains that everyone needs help with some decisions, not just people with disabilities. Some people ask doctors about health choices or mechanics about cars. When you get help from others to make decisions, that's called Supported Decision-Making. The form uses checkboxes for you to mark if you can do something on your own, with support, or if you need someone else to do it for you. If you check "I can do this with support," you can think about who might help you and what kind of help you want. The tool covers many parts of life where you might need to make choices. It starts with health and personal care. This includes going to the doctor, taking medicine, personal hygiene, and what to eat. The form then asks about friends and partners, like dating, marriage, and who to spend time with. Money decisions are another section. This part asks about getting money information, opening bank accounts, paying bills, and keeping a budget. The form also covers where you live and how you get around in your community. This includes choosing where to live, doing chores, and using transportation. There are sections about school and education, where you make choices about going to school or getting special help. The working section asks about job choices, benefits, accommodations, and talking to employers. The tool includes questions about your rights and safety, like voting and what to do if someone treats you badly. The last section covers how you talk with your supporters. This includes setting up meetings and keeping them updated on how you're doing. The form ends with blank spaces for any other choices or activities you want to include. Each page has three columns to check: "I can do this on my own," "I can do this with support," or "I need someone else to do this for me." Small pictures help show what each option means. This tool helps you create a plan that shows what kinds of decisions you want to make yourself and what kinds of help you might need from others.

Tool/form, Guide English, Spanish Transition-age youth, Adults, Older adults Virginia

Pathways to Person-Centered Decision-Making and Alternatives to Guardianship

Content Summary: Disability systems are changing. Many are using Supported Decision-making (SDM) as an alternative to guardianship. SDM allows people with disabilities to make their own choices in their lives. The webinar has experts on disability, advocates, and people who have a disability. They share stories from Colorado, Georgia, and Wisconsin. They share ways to expand SDM so that more people choose this alternative to guardianship. The video shares a guide book on how to expand SDM and make informed choices. Within the guide book, there is a definition of SDM. It is from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They say why an alternative to guardianship should be used. A table compares differences between the two. It talks about progress to implement SDM into public law. It says how SDM can be expanded and enhanced. This could be forming groups to make new laws or trying new SDM tools. It could be sharing the positive effects of SDM and finding champions. It also means supporting the people with lived experience who are advocates. More trainings and resources can also help. This resource provides concrete steps that can be taken to be true advocates of SDM. This can be at the state or local level. SDM helps people with disabilities and older adults make choices. It helps them have agency over their lives with help from those they trust. Guardianship is still often the norm. Spreading the word about SDM can help change this. Change works best in groups called coalitions.

Training, Information, Guide English, Spanish Older adults, Adults United States

American Bar Association Resolution on Supported Decision-Making

Content Summary: A guardian is someone a court picks to make choices for another person to help with decisions. Courts often use guardianship for older adults with memory problems. It may also be used for people with disabilities that affect their thinking. When someone has a guardian, they lose the right to make their own choices. This could be where to live, health care, or spending money. The ABA wants courts to try use "supported decision-making" before guardianship. In supported decision-making, the person picks a trusted person to help make choices. This could be friends, family members, or others. Helpers can explain options, risks, and results. They can also help share the person's choices with doctors, banks, and others. But the final choice stays with the person. The report says guardianship should be used only as a last choice. Other options should be tried first. It asks states to change their laws so courts try supported decision-making before guardianship. It wants courts to end guardianship if the person has helpers who can support choices. Some states have already started making these changes. Texas and Delaware now have laws about supported decision-making. Courts in Virginia and New York have used supported decision-making instead of guardianship. The federal government supports this change too. It has given money to study and teach people about supported decision-making. The ABA has worked for years to protect people's rights to make choices. This resolution asks courts and states to try supported decision-making first. This change would help more people keep their right to make decisions about their own lives, while still getting the help they need.

Information English Adults Texas, United States

Bet Tzedek Self-Help Conservatorship Clinic

Content Summary: The website explains what conservatorship means. In California, there are three kinds of conservatorship. These are limited, probate, and mental health conservatorship. Not everyone with a disability needs a conservator. The website shows other ways to get help. Some people use a power of attorney. Others use health care directives. Some use supported decision-making. People can also name someone to help with Medi-Cal and home support. The website talks about the rights of people who have conservators. These people have the right to be treated with respect. They can manage some of their own money. They can make some choices about their daily life. They should be safe from harm. They can speak up if they disagree with their conservator. Conservators also have duties they must do. They must talk to the court about how things are going. They need to make sure the person has what they need. They work with court helpers called investigators. They should help the person live as freely as they can. They must handle money well. They need to keep the person safe. The website has a list that explains legal terms in simple words. This helps people understand the words used in court. It also has forms that people might need. These forms are used to set up or change a conservatorship. The website tells people what happens in court. It explains each step of a conservatorship hearing. This helps people know what to expect when they go to court. They can feel more ready for what will happen. All of this information helps people make good choices. They can decide if conservatorship is right for them. If it is, they can learn how to work with the courts. If it's not, they can find other ways to get the help they need like supported decision-making.

Guide English, Spanish Adults California

Closing the Justice Gap Part 4: You Can Make a Difference – Defending Against or Terminating Guardianship

Content Summary: The training shows that guardianship is very serious because it can take away basic human rights. It can hurt a person's sense of who they are. It can even lead to abuse. Lawyers might work on these cases because state laws say they must, or because someone asks for help. Courts look at something called "decisional capability" when thinking about guardianship. This means how well someone can understand choices and make decisions. Lawyers must fight for what older adults want. They must also make sure courts follow all the right steps. Sometimes lawyers can't find out what an older adult wants. Even then, they should try to find ways to help that don't take away all the person's rights. They should look for the least limiting kind of help. The training tells lawyers how to get ready for court. They need to gather proof that shows their client can make some or all choices. They might need doctor's reports or people who can speak about what the client can do. Lawyers must make sure their clients can take part in their cases. Some clients might need language help. Others might need a building with an elevator. The lawyer should make these things happen. The training shows how to use state laws to fight guardianship. It tells how to show that someone doesn't need a guardian. It explains other ways to help people besides guardianship. These might include having a guardian for just some things, not everything. The same ideas work when trying to change or end a guardianship that's already in place. The training ends by saying lawyers should work with other groups to protect older adults' rights.

Training English Adults California

Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship

Content Summary: This course teaches you how to help people with disabilities make choices about their lives. It offers three different paths based on how much support someone needs. The first path shows how to help people make their own choices. The second path covers legal ways to help with decisions. The third path explains what it means to be a guardian or conservator. The training has five main parts. First, you'll learn the basics about the course. Then you'll discover ways to support decision-making. Next, you'll learn about legal options like power of attorney. After that, you'll find out what guardians do and how to become one. Finally, you'll work through real-life examples. You'll learn how to help someone make choices about their health, money, and daily life. The course shows how to protect people's rights to make their own choices when possible. It also teaches how to prevent harm and abuse. If you need to make decisions for someone else, you'll learn the legal rules to follow. The course works for people anywhere in the United States since it doesn't focus on specific state laws. Each lesson ends with a quiz to help you remember what you learned. You can go at your own pace and download the lessons to read later. The training helps you decide if being a guardian or support person is right for you. It shows both simple and complex ways to help someone with disabilities. Whatever role you choose, this course will help you do it well.

Training English Any age United States

Future Planning 101

Content Summary: The video tells a person with a disability where to get started with future planning. There are more webinars and videos with deeper information. Videos say why future planning is important. There are topics about basics of future planning and building a plan. It gives stories of how others have planned and how to get help. Future planning information can be for a person with a disability. It can also be for a parent, caregiver, or friend. It may include planning about where to live or what to do every day. It may also include planning about likes and dislikes or important people in life. Planning can be for work, activities, and relationships. It is important to have trusted supporters help with future planning. To use future planning, the first step is to get advice. Thinking about wants can help get sound advice from trusted supporters. People who use future planning tell stories of how it went. They say why future planning helped them. They advise other people with disabilities to use future planning. Future planning should be person-centered. This means the person with the disability should make choices about their own future. Future plans should have information about daily routines. They should say things about housing, money, healthcare, and medicine. They should name doctors, health history, and school history. They should say social history, like jobs, skills, and hobbies. Religion, interests, and friends may also be included. All of this information can help a future plan be person-centered. There is a tool to help with making a future plan. To use this tool, you must make an account. There is a tool to find resources for future planning. These are based on the state you live in. Resources could be lawyers, money planners, or advocates. They could be agencies in your state that help people with disabilities. There is a list of professionals who can help with future planning. More video clips tell more stories about future planning. They say why future planning is important. They explain how to make choices. Some clips help with housing and public benefits. Others give information about trusts and bank accounts. There are topics on jobs and friends. There are topics on making new friends and getting through grief or loss. Information is shared on how to get fast help if needed. This could be short or long term support.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English Adults, Transition-age youth United States

Keeping individuals with Disabilities and Aging Adults in Charge of Their Lives: Supported Decision-Making and Other Alternatives to Guardianship

Content Summary: SDM preserves a person’s autonomy and dignity. It allows them to remain in charge of their choices. Choices can be about healthcare, finance, education, or daily living. Instead of taking over the choice process, supporters help the person to know their options, weigh pros and cons, and share preferences. The booklet notes that decision-making is a right. It is a key part of self-determination. SDM helps people with disabilities to stay involved in their life choices. It can prevent the need for more restrictive options like guardianship. Guardianship often removes a person’s legal ability to make their own choices. SDM offers a less invasive option. It respects the person’s independence and addresses their need for support. The booklet illustrates how SDM works in practice. Real-life examples and stories are used to show SDM. It gives stories where people work with family members, friends, or professionals to make hard choices. Choices can be about health care, money, or where to live. SDM helps people stay in control while using support in their network. The booklet also explains how to formalize a Supported Decision-Making arrangement. This can be done with agreements that say the roles of supporters. They should say the areas where the person wants help. These agreements are flexible and made for each person’s unique needs. This helps make sure that support aligns with the person’s goals and values. SDM is not only a tool for independence but also a way to have confidence. By choices with help, people build the skills they need to navigate life. Choice support makes it easier to overcome challenges. This approach fosters inclusion and being active in society. It helps people live full, happy lives. The booklet talks about SDM misconceptions. It tells readers that it can be used with other supports and legal tools. It notes that SDM can be changed as needed. It can accommodate the needs of people in different stages of life.

Information English, Spanish Any age Wisconsin

Limited Conservatorships & Alternatives

Content Summary: A limited conservatorship gives some control to a helper, but lets the person with a disability keep some freedom. The court decides which choices the person can still make on their own. This is different from other types of conservatorship that take away more rights. To start a limited conservatorship, someone must ask the court for permission. The court will look into what's best for the person with a disability. If the person agrees, their regional center can help by telling the court about their needs and abilities. Under a limited conservatorship, a person might lose some rights. These could include picking where to live or seeing private records. It could affect getting married, signing contracts, and making health choices. It could affect work and school decisions. But they might keep some of these rights if the court agrees. The helper, called a conservator, must make good choices for the person they help. They must also make sure the person has as much freedom as possible to make their own choices. There are other ways to help someone besides limited conservatorship. This could be having trusted people help with choices. It could be giving someone permission to make some choices through a legal arrangement. It could be learning to speak up for yourself. Finally, it could be using school or program plans that say what kind of help you need. These other options might work better for some people. They let people keep more control over their lives. Anyone who thinks they shouldn't be under a limited conservatorship can tell the court why they disagree. This guide uses simple words and short sentences to help more people understand limited conservatorships and choices. It shows that there are many ways to help people with disabilities make decisions in their lives.

Information English, Spanish Adults California

SDM-TAP Resource Request Form