SDM-TAP Resource Library

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

With Support and Without the Court: Supported Decision-Making Handbook…

Content Summary: The handbook explains a way called "supported decision-making" that lets adults with disabilities make their own choices with help from people they trust. Instead of having courts take away their rights through conservatorship, supported decision-making lets people pick family, friends, or others to help them understand and make decisions. These helpers can assist with things like medical care, money, education, and daily life choices. The handbook shows why this approach is better than conservatorship, which can be expensive and risky. With conservatorship, courts can take away rights and even remove parents as decision-makers. The handbook explains that supported decision-making gives more freedom while still protecting people with disabilities. It lets them learn and grow while keeping trusted people involved in their lives. The document includes many helpful tools and forms that families can use. These forms help set up supported decision-making arrangements for healthcare, money, school, and other areas. The handbook also has tips for working with doctors, teachers, and others who help people with disabilities. The guide explains supported decision-making in simple terms with real examples. It has steps for getting started and advice for common situations. At the end, there are two handouts - one that explains supported decision-making to professionals, and one with tips for healthcare providers. The overall message is that adults with disabilities can and should make their own choices, with help from people they trust. The handbook gives families practical ways to support their loved ones' independence without going through courts. It shows how to protect and empower adults with disabilities while keeping family involved in their lives.

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

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Supported Decision-Making Agreement

Content Summary: The form lets someone pick one or more trusted people to be their helpers. These helpers can assist with choices about health, money, housing, food, clothes, and other needs. The person filling out the form stays in control of all decisions. Their helpers cannot make choices for them - they can only help explain things and share information. Here's how the help works: A helper might get medical records, explain what different choices mean in simple words, or make sure doctors and others listen to what the person wants. But the helper must respect the person's choices, even if they disagree. The form needs to be signed by both the person and their helpers. It also needs two adult witnesses or a notary to make it official. Once signed, the agreement starts working right away. It keeps working until a set end date or until someone decides to stop it. This agreement is different from other legal forms like guardianship or power of attorney. Those forms give control to someone else. This form keeps the power with the person who needs help. They stay in charge of their own life. The agreement can be changed to fit what each person needs. Someone might want help with doctor visits but not with money. Or they might want one helper for health choices and a different helper for housing. The form lets people set it up in the way that works best for them. This agreement helps people with disabilities stay independent while getting the support they need. It shows respect for their rights and helps them make good choices about their lives.

Information, Guide, Tool/form English, Spanish, Arabic Adults

When Do I Want Support? Supported Decision-Making Self Assessment Tool

Content Summary: The guide teaches that supported decision-making lets people with disabilities stay in control of their lives. They do this while getting help from others. The person with a disability is called the "decider" and picks trusted helpers called "supporters." The supporters might be family, friends, or staff members who agree to help. These supporters help the decider make choices and share their thoughts. But the decider makes the final choice. The guide walks through how to think about the kinds of help. It explains that people might want help with different things. This could be choosing where to live, managing money, making health choices, or relationships. For each area, the decider can choose if they want to handle things alone, get some help, or have someone else take care of it. The guide shows how to pick good supporters and talk to them about helping. It says supporters should be trustworthy and willing to help. It gives tips for meeting with supporters to talk about how to help best. The decider can ask different people to help with different things. There's a special form called a supported decision-making agreement that makes things official. The guide explains how to fill out this form, which lists who the supporters are and what they'll help with. Everyone signs the form together with a notary or witnesses watching. The agreement can be changed any time the decider wants. The guide comes with extra forms that might be needed, like forms to let supporters see medical records or school information. It also lists places to learn more about supported decision-making and people to contact with questions. Throughout the guide, there are activities and worksheets to help people think through their choices. These help the decider figure out what areas they want help with and how they want that help to work. The guide makes clear that supported decision-making is different for each person, and it's okay to take time to figure out what works best.

Information, Tool/form, Guide English Adults

What is Supported Decision-Making and What Does a Supporter Do?

Content Summary: When someone asks you to be their supporter, they are trusting you to help them make choices. This is very different from guardianship, where a judge gives someone the power to make choices for another person. As a supporter, you help the person make their own choices, but you don't choose for them. There are many ways to give support. You can explain things in simple words or talk through options. You can help find information about choices or go with the person to meetings. You can remind them about important dates or help them get to places they need to go. You can also help them think about what matters to them when making a choice. The guide makes it clear that supporters are not legally responsible for the choices someone makes. You just agree to help the person as best you can and in good faith. You do still have to follow the law and can't do things like fraud or abuse. Being a supporter is not a forever commitment, but you should plan to help for at least a year. It takes time to learn how to be a good supporter. You can also be part of a team of supporters, with different people helping in different ways. The most important thing to know is that supporters don't make choices for the person, even if they think the person is making a bad choice. Everyone learns by making mistakes sometimes. People are actually safer when they can make their own choices. If you think you would want to make choices for the person instead of helping them make their own, you should not be a supporter. The guide ends with contact information for places to learn more about Supported Decision-Making. It reminds readers that this role is about helping someone keep control of their own life while getting the support they need to make good choices.

Information English Any age

Video Script: Supported Health Care Decision-Making for Parents and Supporters

Content Summary: When you help someone with a disability get healthcare, you might face many problems. There might be building issues that make it hard to get around. Doctors might not know how to talk with your loved one or understand their needs. Right now, there are a few ways you can help the person you care for. You can get a Power of Attorney to make medical choices when they can't say what they want. You can also get a conservatorship or guardianship that gives you full power to decide certain things. But these legal options can be hard to get, cost a lot, and are tough to undo. They also don't let the person choose who helps them or how they get help. Many families are looking at a new option called Supported Health Care Decision-Making. This idea is based on the belief that people with disabilities should get the help they need while still having some say in their lives. It can be cheaper and easier than other options. When your loved one picks you as their trusted helper, you can see their medical info and help them in many ways. You can help them talk with doctors and follow treatment plans. New laws might make this easier with Supported Decision-Making Agreements. These would be forms that doctors would accept. Using these forms would be a choice, not a must. With your help, your loved one could name many trusted helpers. By helping them build a wider support team, you share the work of helping them make choices and follow health plans. This sets good limits between you and them. It helps them take a more active role in their care and learn to make choices with help from others. It makes sure they have support even when you can't help them. These agreements will have rules to keep the person safe. Doctors don't have to accept a choice if they think someone forced the person or didn't explain things well enough. A Health Passport is one way a new helper can learn about the person's health history and what they like. It can be given to doctors during visits or stays in the hospital. This paper, along with a Supported Decision-Making Agreement, can be part of the person's care plan. The script ends with information about where to find a video that explains more about Supported Health Care Decision-Making. It also tells readers where to find more details about planned laws and answers to common questions. The last part lists the names of the people who made the video and the actors who played roles in it.

Information, Guide English Any age

Video Script: Supported Health Care Decision-Making for Professionals and Policy Makers

Content Summary: People with disabilities face many problems when getting health care. Buildings can be hard to access. Doctors often have trouble knowing if patients can make their own choices. It can be unclear who has the legal right to help make decisions. Right now, there are a few legal ways people with disabilities can get help with medical choices. They can give someone Power of Attorney to make choices when they cannot. They can have a conservatorship or guardianship, which gives all choice-making power to someone else. These current options have problems. Conservatorship and guardianship cost a lot, are hard to undo, and take away the person's rights. The person often can't choose who helps them or how. If a family member can no longer serve as guardian, a court might pick someone who doesn't know the person at all. Supported Health Care Decision-Making is a new idea. It is based on the belief that people with disabilities should get help while still having control of their lives. This idea says people have the right to support no matter what their health issues are. Many people who can't make choices alone can do so with the right help. New laws are being planned to create Supported Decision-Making Agreements. These forms would let a person with a disability name trusted helpers. The agreements would make clear what roles each person has. They would also give legal protection to doctors, helpers, and patients. With these agreements, helpers can explain medical choices to the person. The person still has the right to decide on their care plan. Doctors can work with patients and their helpers when getting consent for care. Helpers can see medical records and help patients follow care plans. Helpers can solve many problems. They can help doctors and patients talk to each other. They can share health history and make care better overall. More information about this idea is available in videos and on the Autistic Self Advocacy Network website. The document ends with a list of people who helped make the video, including doctors, nurses, and disability rights experts.

Information, Guide English Any age

Turning Rights into Reality: How Guardianship and Alternatives Impact the Autonomy of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Content Summary: The report explains that under guardianship, someone else gets the legal power to make choices for a person with ID/DD. Courts often put these people under guardianship when they turn 18. This happens because schools often tell parents they need guardianship to stay involved in their child's education. The report calls this the "school-to-guardianship pipeline." Some states have different guardianship laws just for people with ID/DD. This can make it easier to put them under guardianship than people with other disabilities. The report says this might be unfair and against disability rights laws. Research shows that when people with ID/DD can make their own choices, they often do better in life. They can get help with choices if needed. They are more likely to have jobs, live on their own, and stay safe. But when someone else makes all their choices, they might lose skills. The report looks at Washington DC as an example. DC has changed its laws to make it harder to put someone under guardianship without first trying other options. One option is called Supported Decision-Making. This is when people pick trusted helpers to explain choices and help make decisions. The person with a disability still makes the final choice. The report finds that more states are recognizing alternatives to guardianship in their laws. But more work is needed to make real changes. Parents, teachers, doctors, and judges need to learn about these options. They need to understand that most people with ID/DD can make their own choices when they have the right support. The report recommends changes in federal and state laws. This can protect the rights of people with ID/DD to make their own decisions.

Information English Any age

Train the Trainers Supported Decision Making

Content Summary: SDM helps people with disabilities make their own choices with help from someone they trust. In D.C., the law says all adults can make their own choices unless proven otherwise. A person with a disability can pick someone to help them understand their options and make decisions. This helper is called a supporter. There are two ways to use SDM in D.C. The first way is informal, where someone just asks a trusted person to help them. The second way is formal, using a legal form called a Supported Decision Making Agreement (SDMA). This form lets the person list who their supporter is and what kinds of help they want. A supporter can help in many ways. They might help gather info, ask questions, or explain choices. But the person with a disability always makes the final decision. The supporter does not decide for them. This is different from a guardian, who can make choices for someone. The training uses stories about two people to show how SDM works. One story is about Hallie, a young woman looking for work who lives with her mom. The other is about Anthony, who wants a job but his sister worries about his safety. These stories help staff learn how to support people in making their own choices. The training also explains how agencies should handle SDM. Staff need to keep info private unless the person says it's okay to share. They must help people fill out forms and understand their choices. If someone brings in an SDM form, staff must honor it unless they think the person is being harmed. The main point of SDM is to help people with disabilities keep control of their lives. It gives them the right to make their own choices, just like everyone else. The training helps staff understand this and shows them how to respect people's right to decide, while giving them the support they need to make good choices.

Training, Guide, Information English Any age

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

Introduction: This toolkit comes from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). It teaches people about laws that affect how people with disabilities make choices in their lives. The toolkit helps many groups understand these laws better. This could be people with disabilities, their families, care providers, and lawmakers. It comes in two forms - one with pictures and one without - so different people can use the version that works best for them. 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

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 supporter 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

Supporter Training

Content Summary: Supported decision-making is a way to help adults with disabilities make their own choices instead of having a guardian make choices for them. A supporter helps the person understand information and options, but does not make decisions for them. The person with a disability (called the "principal") picks their supporter and decides what kind of help they want. A supporter can help with things like finding housing, managing money, getting medical care, finding a job, or dealing with school. The principal and supporter must sign an agreement that spells out what kind of help the supporter will give. Two witnesses must also sign the agreement. The principal can end the agreement at any time if they want to. Not everyone can be a supporter. People who work for the principal (unless they are family) cannot be supporters. Neither can people who have been convicted of certain crimes or who have been banned from contact with the principal. The training explains that supporters must act in good faith and keep the principal's information private. The training teaches supporters how to respect the principal's choices, even if the supporter disagrees. It stresses that the principal still makes all final decisions. Supporters should help principals understand their options and share their choices with others, like doctors or teachers. If anyone thinks a supporter is hurting or taking advantage of a principal, they should report it. The training includes phone numbers to call for help. It also lists many resources for people with disabilities, like legal help and advocacy groups. The document ends with common questions about supported decision-making. It explains that other states have similar laws, and that this option works alongside guardianship. The training aims to help supporters understand their role in empowering people with disabilities to make their own choices while getting the help they need.

Training, Tool/form, Guide, Information English, Spanish Adults

Supported Health Care Decision-Making for Self-Advocates Training

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making is a way for people to make choices with help from someone they trust. Everyone can have a hard time making health choices sometimes. This guide explains that people with disabilities have the same right to make choices as everyone else, with the support they want. The guide explains that the people who help you are called supporters. You can have as many supporters as you want. They might be family, friends, or others you trust. For example, your brother might help you talk to the doctor, while your roommate helps you remember to take medicine. Both can be your supporters. You don't need support for every part of your health care or every doctor visit. You get to pick when you want support, who gives it, and what kind of help you need. Supporters can help in many ways, like calling your doctor when you're sick or helping you get on an exam table. The relationship with your supporters is important. They should help you understand your options. You can still make choices even if your supporter doesn't agree with them. Like everyone else, you must accept what happens because of your choices. Not everyone can be your supporter. If you don't want someone to help, they can't be your supporter. People who won't support your decisions also can't help you. Staff in residential institutions or people against you in court can't be supporters either. The guide talks about Supported Health Care Decision-Making Agreements. These are forms that will let you name your supporters. The forms will help doctors know who can help you understand your options. You will still make the final decision about what care you want. With these agreements, you can choose different supporters for different parts of your health care. You might not want one person to know everything about your health. Each agreement can be different based on the help you want. If you don't like how a supporter is helping, you can pick someone else. You can change or cancel an agreement at any time if a supporter makes you feel uncomfortable. If your doctor thinks a supporter isn't respecting your choices, they might ask to talk to you alone. The guide ends by reminding readers that their health is important. It states that everyone has the right to get help making decisions about their body and health care. It also provides links to a video about Supported Decision-Making and other resources with more information.

Training English, Spanish Any age

Supported Health Care Decision-Making for Self-Advocates

Content Summary: Going to the doctor can be hard for people with disabilities. Medical offices might be cluttered and hard to move around in. Exam tables and scales might be tough to use. Doctors might be busy or not know how to talk with you in the way you understand best. Everyone needs help sometimes when they see a doctor or make health choices. If you have a disability, you might get help from family, friends, or people who work with you. Right now, there are different ways to get help with health choices. A Power of Attorney lets someone else make choices if you can't say what you want. A conservator or guardian can make choices for you by law, even if you don't like the choices they make. Supported Decision-Making is a new way of thinking that helps you get the support you need while staying in charge of your life. The helpers you pick can explain treatment choices, talk with your doctor, teach you about your medicine, or help you move during an exam. Your helpers can learn about your health history and what you like by filling out a Health Passport with you. They can also help you write down your worries and questions for your doctor. Supported Health Care Decision-Making Agreements are new. These forms will let you name one or more trusted helpers. They can help you understand your choices, but you still get to decide what treatments you want. You don't have to use these forms if you don't want to. They just help doctors know who your helpers are. If you don't want someone to be your helper anymore, you can change the form or cancel it any time. The script tells viewers where to find a video that explains more about Supported Health Care Decision-Making. It also shares links to more information about model laws and a questions and answers guide from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. The document ends with credits for the people who made the video and the actors who played roles in it.

Information, Guide English Any age

Supported Health Care Decision-Making for Professionals and Policy Makers-Training

Content Summary: Like everyone else, people with disabilities sometimes need help with health care. They might need help making doctor visits, talking with doctors, making choices about care, and following care plans. Some get help from family or friends, while others get help from paid workers. Supported Health Care Decision-Making lets people with disabilities pick one or more trusted helpers. This approach is based on the idea that people with disabilities should have the same rights as everyone else. They should be able to make choices about their own bodies and health care, and get the help they want from people they choose. A key point is that people can manage their care with the right help, even if they can't do it alone. Helpers can be family, friends, or others the person trusts. Some people should not be helpers, like the person's doctor, anyone suing them, or staff at their home. Helpers for people with disabilities work like translators do for people who speak other languages. They help the person understand and make good choices. Current options like guardianship have many problems. When doctors worry about getting proper consent from patients with disabilities, they often turn to guardians or powers of attorney. But guardianship costs a lot, is hard to undo, and takes away the person's rights. Often the person has no say in who will make their choices. Powers of attorney are easier to change but still take away the right to decide. Supporters of this new approach have created model agreements. These papers spell out how patients, helpers, and doctors can work together. They make it clear what each person's job is. The agreements are cheap to set up and easy to change as needed. These agreements help both patients and doctors. Helpers commit to helping patients understand choices in ways that work for them. They can also give other kinds of help, like going to visits or helping follow care plans. Helpers can help doctors get past communication problems, learn about health history, and make care better. But doctors should still talk mainly to patients. The person with a disability keeps the right to make final choices about their body and health. The proposed laws would recognize helpers legally. They would protect doctors who share private information with helpers or act on choices made with help. Doctors don't have to accept choices if they think the patient was forced or didn't get good information. The patient can change or end the agreement any time for any reason. More information is available in a video and on the Autistic Self Advocacy Network website.

Training English, Spanish Any age

Supported Health Care Decision-Making for Parents and Supporters-Training

Content Summary: Supported Health Care Decision-Making lets adults with disabilities choose people to help them with medical choices. This helps them stay in control of their own care. Research shows that when people with disabilities make more of their own choices, they have better health and more freedom. In this system, the person with a disability picks trusted helpers called supporters. These supporters can be family, friends, or others who help them. Supporters explain choices and help the person understand their options. But the person with a disability still makes the final choice. Supporters can help in many ways. They might help talk with doctors, follow treatment plans, or understand medical steps. Some people need a little help, while others need more. Many families already give this kind of help without using this name for it. Almost anyone can be a supporter if the person trusts them. Supporters must agree that the person with a disability makes the final choice. Some people should not be supporters. These include the person's doctor, anyone suing them, or staff at their home. Agreements can be made to spell out who helps and how. These papers give helpers legal status without taking away the person's rights. This is better than guardianship, which takes away rights. The agreements are easy to make and can be changed when needed. These agreements help in many ways. They let people with disabilities take part in their care. They help the person learn to make choices. They make sure help will be there even if family can't help anymore. They also set good limits between the person and their helpers. The agreements have safety steps built in. A choice means knowing the good and bad points of each option. Many people who can't decide alone can decide with help. Doctors don't have to accept choices if they think the person was pushed or didn't understand. Most important, the person can change or stop the agreement any time they want.

Training English, Spanish Any age

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

Supported Decision-Making: Frequently Asked Questions

Content Summary: SDM lets people with disabilities keep control of their choices while getting help they need. They pick trusted people like family, friends, or professionals to be their supporters. These helpers explain things clearly, talk through options, and help the person think about their choices. Every person uses SDM in their own way. Some people need simple language or pictures to understand choices. Others might want someone to take notes at doctor visits or help make lists of good and bad points about a choice. Some might share a bank account with a helper to learn about money choices. The guide explains how SDM is different from guardianship. With guardianship, a judge picks someone to make all the choices for a person. The guardian has the final say, and it's hard to change anything without going back to court. With SDM, the person with a disability makes their own choices. They can change their helpers anytime without going to court. SDM is safer than guardianship because people usually have more than one helper. Different helpers might help with different things. For example, a parent might help with money while a friend helps with social choices. Having many helpers means they can watch out for any problems. Many families already use SDM without calling it that. They help their family members learn to make choices by giving them practice and support. Making SDM official can help doctors, banks, and others respect the choices of people with disabilities. In some places, like Texas, people can sign a paper that shows they use SDM. This helps professionals feel safe accepting the person's choices. The main point is that SDM helps people with disabilities keep their rights while getting support they need. It lets them grow and learn new skills over time. Most importantly, it makes sure they have the final say in their own lives.

Information English Any age

Supported Decision-Making-Disability Rights Wisconsin

Content Summary: Wisconsin law says that people with disabilities can use supported decision-making. With this system, people pick trusted friends or family as helpers. These helpers can help with making choices about health, housing, jobs, and school. They can help gather information. They can help talk with doctors, teachers, and others. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a form for supported decision-making. This form shows who the helper will be. It also says what the helper can and cannot do. The form helps make sure everyone knows their role. There are many places to learn more about supported decision-making. The Arc Wisconsin can help. So can the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. They have guides that answer common questions about supported decision-making. The guides explain that supported decision-making helps people understand their choices. Helpers can get information from doctors, teachers, and banks. They can help explain this information. But the person with a disability makes the final choice. Anyone can use supported decision-making in Wisconsin. People can change their helpers. They can change the kind of help they want. The information stays private with the person and their helpers. This way is different from guardianship or power of attorney. The guides also talk about keeping people safe from money scams. They explain how supported decision-making works with other legal papers. Some other states also let people use supported decision-making. This resource shows that supported decision-making gives people more control over their lives. They can get help making choices without giving up their rights. Many groups in Wisconsin can help people learn more about this option.

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

Supported Decision-Making Teams: Setting the Wheels in Motion

Content Summary: For a long time, people thought those with disabilities couldn't make their own choices. Many parents still hear they should become their child's guardian when the child turns 18. But studies show that when people with disabilities make their own choices, they live better lives. They are more likely to have jobs, stay healthy, and be safe. SDM offers a better way than guardianship. It means getting help from trusted people to understand and make choices. The author says we all get help making choices - we might ask a family member who knows about money for help with banking, or ask a friend who knows about cars before buying one. To start SDM, you need to build a team of helpers. These should be people the person with a disability trusts and feels good working with. Different team members can help with different things, like money, health care, or social choices. The person with a disability is the team captain and picks who they want help from. The guide gives clear steps for starting a team. First, ask what the person wants help with and who they want help from. Then have the team meet often at first, so everyone can learn to work together well. The team should focus on big goals, like where the person wants to live or work, and break these into smaller steps. Sometimes things get bumpy. Team members might not work out, or someone might make a bad choice. But that's okay - we all learn from mistakes. The important thing is to keep going. The author shares her own story of waking up at 4 AM with an idea to help her non-verbal daughter use SDM. She found people her daughter already trusted, like her speech therapist and some neighbors, and brought them together as a team. The guide ends with hope, saying that every SDM team helps create a future where everyone can direct their own lives. It includes worksheets and links to help others start their own teams. The main message is simple: start somewhere, keep going, and trust that people with disabilities can make good choices when they have good support.

Information English Any age

Supported Decision-Making in Vocational Rehabilitation

Content Summary: When someone uses Supported Decision-Making, they pick trusted people to help them understand their choices and think through options. Unlike guardianship, where someone else makes choices for you, SDM lets you keep the right to make your own choices. For example, Jenny Hatch, a woman with Down syndrome, won a court case that let her use SDM instead of having a guardian. Her case helped other states recognize SDM as a good option. The VR program helps people with disabilities learn job skills and find work. In Virginia, two state agencies run the program. To get VR help, you must have a disability, want to work, and need help with work because of your disability. You get to choose your work goals and pick which services will help you best. VR can help with many things besides just finding a job. They can help you learn how to make good choices, manage your time, and live on your own. They can also help you get job training, learn how to use special equipment, get to work, and learn job rules. A job counselor works with you to make a plan that lists your goals and what help you need. VR helps people become more independent by teaching them skills to make their own choices. This means they might not need someone else to make choices for them through guardianship. By using VR services and SDM together, people with disabilities can take charge of their lives and their futures. To get started with VR, you need to apply and meet with a counselor. They will look at your disability, talk about what kind of work you want to do, and help you make a plan. Everything in your plan should help you reach your work goals. The plan can change if your needs or goals change.

Information English Adults

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

Supported Decision-Making Brochures

Content Summary: The first brochure talks about guardianship and supported decision-making. Many parents think guardianship is the only way to help their child stay safe. With guardianship, a judge gives someone else the right to make choices for a person. But supported decision-making lets people keep their right to make choices. With supported decision-making, people pick helpers they trust. These helpers explain things and help think about choices. But the person with a disability makes the final choice. This helps people feel more sure of themselves. It helps them live better lives. Even people who need a lot of help can often make choices with the right support. The second brochure shows how schools can use supported decision-making. Schools should help students get ready for adult life. But many schools tell parents to get guardianship without talking about other choices. Students do better when they learn to make their own choices. They can find jobs more easily. They can live more on their own. Students can help make plans for their school work. These plans are called IEPs. When students help make these plans, they learn how to speak up for what they want. They learn how to set goals. This helps them get ready for adult life. The third brochure is about leaving high school. This can be a hard time for students with disabilities. Schools must help students get ready for life after high school. Students can use supported decision-making to plan for their future. Students can write goals that start with "I will." This helps them think about what they want to do. They can work with teachers and others to reach these goals. There are many places that can help, like job training centers and groups that help people live on their own. All three brochures show that supported decision-making helps people grow. It lets them make their own choices while getting help when they need it. This works better than having someone else make all their choices for them.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth, Adults

Supported Decision-Making Bootcamp: Training Videos and Materials

Content Summary: The training explains how SDM helps people with disabilities stay in control of their lives. Instead of having others make choices for them through conservatorship, they can get help from people they trust. These helpers might be family members, friends, or experts who care about them. The videos cover several key topics. They start by explaining what SDM is and how it works in schools. Then they talk about planning for life after school and making plans for the future. The videos also explain the laws about SDM and show how to put it into practice. The training shows that many people with disabilities can make their own choices if they get the right help. Before trying conservatorship, families should see if SDM might work better. Some people need a lot of help making choices, while others need less help. The training helps families figure out what kind of help someone needs. When using SDM, it's good to write down the plan. This written plan should say who will help the person, what kind of help they'll give, and when they'll give it. Having everything in writing helps everyone understand their role and stops mix-ups from happening. The training comes with helpful tools like guides and real stories about SDM. These tools show families how to use SDM in real life. They help people with disabilities keep their independence and dignity. The training asks parents and caregivers to try other options before choosing conservatorship. The main message is that SDM lets people with disabilities have more say in their lives. While they still get help when they need it, they keep the power to make their own choices. This approach shows more respect for people with disabilities and helps them live more independent lives.

Training, Information, Guide English, Spanish Children, Transition-age youth

Supported Decision-Making and Special Education Transition Services

Content Summary: When students use SDM, they pick people they trust to help them understand choices and make decisions. These helpers could be family, friends, or teachers. Unlike guardianship where someone else makes all the choices, the student stays in control with SDM. For example, Jenny Hatch, who has Down syndrome, showed how SDM works better than guardianship for many people. Research shows that when people with disabilities can make their own choices, they often do better in life. They are more likely to get jobs, live on their own, and be part of their community. Learning these skills while still in school helps students do better both in school and after they graduate. Schools must help students with disabilities get ready for adult life. This help is called transition services. These services should match what the student wants to do after high school, like go to college, get a job, or live on their own. The services should include real-life practice and teach useful skills. Many times, parents are told they need guardianship when their child turns 18. But SDM can be a better choice. During school meetings about the student's special education plan (called IEP meetings), the team can help the student learn to make choices. They can write goals that let the student take charge, like "I will work with my counselor to find jobs I like." When students turn 18, they have the legal right to make their own choices. With SDM, they can still get help from parents and others, but they stay in control. They can write down who they want help from and what kind of help they want. This is called an SDM Agreement. This way, students get the support they need while learning to be more independent.

Information English Transition-age youth

Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship Alternatives

Content Summary: The guide shows how important it is for people with disabilities to make their own choices. When people make their own choices, they have more control over their lives. This helps them live the way they want to live. Supported decision-making lets people pick trusted helpers to support them with choices. These helpers can be family, friends, or others who care about the person. The helpers explain things clearly and help think through options. But the person with a disability makes the final choice. Wisconsin law says supported decision-making is legal. To set it up, the person with a disability fills out a form. The form says who their helpers will be and what kinds of choices they want help with. Two people must watch them sign the form, and a notary must make it official. The guide also talks about other ways to get help without a conservator. People can use power of attorney forms to pick someone to help with money or health care. They can set up special bank accounts or trusts. They can also have someone called a representative payee help manage their benefits. The toolkit has forms people can use to start supported decision-making. It shows how to talk about it with possible helpers. It also has a place to write down the choices made with help. This creates a record of how supported decision-making is working. The video helps explain everything in the written guides. It walks through how supported decision-making works in Wisconsin. The guide reminds us that we should always try the option that gives people the most freedom to make their own choices. There is also a list of common questions and places to learn more. All these tools work together to help people understand their options. They show how people with disabilities can get help making choices while staying in charge of their own lives.

Guide, Tool/form English Adults

Supported Decision-Making A Guide to Independence For Individuals with Disabilities & the Elderly

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making lets adults choose trusted people to help them make choices, without giving up their right to decide. The helper, called a Supporter, can explain choices, help gather information, and share the person's decisions with others. But the person makes their own final choices. The idea started in North Dakota in 2017 when a group began studying how to help people keep control of their lives while getting support. They looked at what other states did and talked to many people. In 2019, North Dakota made it a law. The guide tells how to pick a good Supporter - someone who listens well, is patient, and respects privacy. It explains what Supporters can and cannot do. They can help explain options and gather information, but they cannot make decisions for the person. To make it official, the person and their Supporter sign an agreement. The agreement lists what kind of help the person wants, like help with money, housing, health care, or jobs. Two witnesses or a notary must watch them sign it. Either person can end the agreement at any time. The guide includes a form people can use to create their agreement. It also lists other ways to get help with decisions, like power of attorney or medical directives. The Protection & Advocacy Project offers this help free to North Dakotans with disabilities. The guide was inspired by Jenny Hatch, who in 2013 became the first person to win the right to use Supported Decision-Making instead of guardianship. Her story helped change laws across the United States to give people more control over their lives.

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

Supported Decision-Making 101

Content Summary: Supported decision-making means choosing a team of helpers. These helpers can be family, friends, or professionals. They assist the person in understanding options and outcomes. They also help in communicating decisions. This teamwork respects the person's wishes and independence. It gives the needed support for tough decisions. In California, SDM is now recognized by law. In September 2022, a law called AB 1663 was signed. This law sees SDM as a good option instead of conservatorship. It encourages schools, regional centers, and hospitals to consider SDM. This helps people keep their rights while getting the support they need. To start SDM, a person can create a Supported Decision-Making Agreement, or SDMA. This document lists the chosen helpers. It also outlines where assistance is needed. The agreement can be signed and notarized. It can be added to other legal papers like an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Durable Power of Attorney. This allows the agreement to fit the person's unique needs. Families should think about the best way to support their young adult. They need to assess the person's ability to make decisions. They should consider how much help is required. SDM is good for those who can decide with support. If a person cannot make sound decisions on their own, more structured help may be needed. This could be a durable power of attorney or a limited conservatorship.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth, Adults

Supported Decision-Making & Transition Age Youth

Content Summary: When students with disabilities turn 18, they often lose school support services. Many parents are told to seek guardianship over their adult children. But guardianship takes away rights that young adults should have. The video shows how SDM offers a better choice. The video shares stories from young adults and their families who use SDM. Thomas, who is 22, chose to work at Central Park with help from his parents. They used SDM tools instead of guardianship to support his choice. Andrew, who is also 22, talked about how SDM helped him find a job. Emma, who is 19, shared what she learned from working with SDMNY. Justin, who is 21, told the story of planning his birthday trip to Las Vegas with help from his supporters. The video shows how SDM helps both young adults and their families. Justin's mother, Larissa, felt touched when her son chose her as a supporter. Katrina, who is 25, used an SDM agreement to follow her dream of becoming a special education teacher. She now speaks up for other students with disabilities to make their own choices. Dr. Francis Tabone explains in the video how SDM gives structure to help students face life's challenges. The video shows how the Cooke School works with SDMNY to teach students about SDM. SDMNY believes SDM can help young adults live on their own and make their own choices. The video includes a group talk with three young adults. They speak about why getting help with decisions matters to them. This talk was led by Amber from SDMNY. Throughout the video, we see how SDM helps young people take charge of their lives while still getting support when they need it.

Information English Transition-age youth, Adults

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

Supported Decision Making: Introduction For Professionals

Content Summary: SDM helps people with disabilities make their own choices with support from others. Instead of having someone else make decisions for them through conservatorship, SDM lets people stay in control of their own lives. People who might use SDM include those with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or dementia. California made SDM legal in September 2022. This gives people with disabilities a clear way to get help with decisions while keeping their rights. With SDM, people can get support to make choices about their health, where they live, their money, their jobs, their education, and their relationships. To use SDM, a person creates an agreement that says who they want help from and what kinds of help they need. They sign this agreement with their supporters, and they need either two witnesses or a notary to make it official. Professionals must let supporters come to meetings when the person with a disability wants them there. This includes all kinds of meetings, like medical appointments, school meetings, or talks with banks. The person can ask for supporters using words, gestures, or any other way they communicate. Professionals can only stop supporters from being at meetings if they think the supporters are hurting or taking advantage of the person. The law says that letting someone use SDM might be required as a reasonable accommodation. People using SDM can also have other legal papers, like powers of attorney, but they don't need these for SDM to work. For professionals who want to learn more, there will be online training and a big meeting in California. They can also find more information on the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities website. This guide helps make sure professionals know how to respect and support people who use SDM to make their own choices.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English Adults, Older adults

Supported Decision Making Vs. Conservatorship in California

Content Summary: In California, some people with disabilities need help making choices about their lives, health, and money. There are two main ways to provide this help. The first way is called Supported Decision Making, or SDM. The second way is called conservatorship. SDM lets people keep control of their own choices while getting help from people they trust. These helpers could be family, friends, or professionals who know the person well. The person picks who will help them, and they can change their mind about their helpers at any time. The helpers explain things and give advice, but the person makes their own final choices. Conservatorship works differently. With this option, a court picks someone to make choices for the person who needs help. This person is called a conservator. The court watches what the conservator does to make sure they make good choices for the person they help. Once someone has a conservator, they lose the right to make many choices on their own. SDM is more flexible than conservatorship. People can get just the help they need, when they need it. They don't need to go to court or file special papers. While it's good to write down who will help and how, it's not required by law. This makes SDM easier to use and change as needed. Conservatorship is more strict. It requires going to court and proving that someone can't make choices on their own. The court must agree that conservatorship is needed. After that, the court keeps checking to make sure the conservator is doing a good job. API Legal Outreach suggests trying SDM first if possible. They believe people should keep their right to make choices whenever they can. The guide helps lawyers and others understand these options so they can better help people with disabilities choose what works best for them.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English Adults

Supported Decision Making LifeCourse Nexus

Content Summary: SDM works by using support to help people understand options, ask questions, and make choices. Support can come from trusted people like family members or friends, technology, community, or professionals. For example, someone might use SDM to decide on a healthcare plan. They might use SDM to manage money, school, or work. The goal is to help individuals to make choices that align with their values. At the same time, they build confidence and skills. The LifeCourse Nexus offers tools to help people and families use SDM. These tools guide users in finding areas where support can help. They help plan for how support can be given. One tool helps people reflect on past choices and use insights to shape future plans. Another resource, the Integrated Support Star, helps map out the different kinds of help available. This could be personal strengths, relationships, community programs, and formal services. For those looking for more help, the Supported Decision-Making Portfolio helps people write down their goals and identify what help they need. Special tools are also available for areas like healthcare. They offer guidance to address medical choices. Sample agreements give a way to make formal SDM arrangements. Through these tools, the LifeCourse Nexus makes Supported Decision-Making a practical option. It promotes greater autonomy and control. By using these tools, people can build their choice-making skills. They can be independent and ensure that choices reflect their goals. These resources show that with the right support, everyone can lead a fulfilling life.

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

Supported Decision Making in Serious Mental Illness

Content Summary: When someone has a serious mental illness like schizophrenia or severe depression, they sometimes have trouble with choices. This could be about things like health care, money, or where to live. In the past, courts would often take away their right to make decisions. They would give that power to someone else, called a guardian. This is known as guardianship. About 1.5 million adults in America have guardians who make choices for them. A newer approach called Supported Decision-Making (SDM) lets people with mental illness keep their right to make decisions. But they also get help from people they trust. With SDM, the person picks trusted friends, family members, or professionals to help understand choices and make decisions. But unlike guardianship, the final choice stays with the person themselves, not their helpers. Several states like Texas and Delaware now have laws that support SDM. Groups like the American Bar Association also say SDM should be tried before guardianship. Early research shows that people with mental illness and their families like the idea of SDM. They like it better than guardianship. However, there are still questions about how well SDM works. Researchers need to study who is best suited for SDM. They need to study what kinds of decisions need support and how to pick good helpers. They need to study whether SDM leads to a better life than guardianship. They also want to look at using technology like mobile apps to help connect people with supporters. The paper explains that SDM fits better with how most people naturally make choices. Most of us make choices by talking them through with others we trust. While more research is needed, SDM could help people with mental illness keep independence. They could still get support when making important life choices. The authors believe SDM could improve well-being and quality of life for people with serious mental illness. More research can help figure out the best ways to use SDM.

Research, Policy, Information English Adults, Older adults

Supported Decision Making in Delaware

Content Summary: Supported Decision Making is a way for people who need help making choices to keep their right to decide for themselves. Instead of having someone else make decisions for them, people can choose helpers who guide them through tough choices. In Delaware, people with disabilities or challenges can create a written agreement with a supporter. This supporter can be a friend, family member, or neighbor who is over 18 years old. The supporter helps by doing things like taking notes at doctor visits, explaining complex information, or gathering details to help the person understand their options. Not just anyone can be a supporter. The law says some people cannot take on this role. For example, someone cannot be a supporter if they work for the person, are already paid to help them, or have a court order keeping them away. When creating a support agreement, the person must write down what kind of help they need. Two witnesses who understand how the person communicates must watch them sign the document. These witnesses cannot be the supporter or work for the supporter. This option is different from other legal choices like guardianship or power of attorney. With Supported Decision Making, the person keeps their right to make their own choices. The supporter is there to help, not to decide for them. Delaware was the second state in the nation to create this law. It was signed in 2016 by Governor Jack Markell and supported by several state leaders. The goal is to help people with disabilities live more independently and make their own choices with help from people they trust. People interested in learning more can find resources through the Delaware Court of Chancery and the Office of the Public Guardian. These groups can provide more details about how to set up a Supported Decision Making agreement.

Information English Adults, Older adults

Supported Decision Making in DC Public Schools

Content Summary: When students with disabilities turn 18 in DC, they have the right to make their own choices about school. This is called being at the "age of majority." Some students may want or need help making these choices. They can pick trusted adults to help them through a process called Supported Decision Making (SDM). SDM is different from guardianship. In guardianship, a court picks someone to make choices for the student. With SDM, the student picks their own helpers and still makes their own final choices. The student can pick any adult over 18 who they trust to be part of their SDM network. To start SDM, the student and their chosen helpers must fill out and sign a DCPS form. This form lets the student pick which school papers their helpers can see. These might include things like meeting notices, test results, or report cards. The student keeps control of their choices and can stop sharing papers with a helper at any time. The helpers in the SDM network give advice to the student about school choices. They can look at the school papers the student shared with them to give better advice. But they cannot make choices for the student. The student makes the final choice after talking with their helpers. There is no need to go to court to set up SDM. The student just needs to fill out the form with their helpers. Everyone who signs the form should keep a copy. The school also keeps a copy in the student's file. If a student later gets a guardian through the courts, their SDM agreement will end. The form has spaces for the student to write their name and contact details. They can list up to two helpers and must write down each helper's name, relationship, address, phone number, and email. The student checks boxes to show which school papers each helper can see. Both the student and their helpers must sign and date the form. This process helps students learn to make choices while still having support from people they trust. It gives them more control over their education while making sure they have help when they need it.

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

Supported Decision Making for Service Providers

Content Summary: Supported Decision Making lets people with disabilities get help with making choices without giving up control of their lives. Unlike guardianship, where someone else makes choices for a person, Supported Decision Making keeps the power to decide with the person who has a disability. They pick trusted helpers, called supporters, who can help them understand their choices and think through decisions. The guide explains that supporters can be present when someone is getting information or thinking about choices. But the person with a disability can also make choices without their supporter there. The supporter's job is to help explain things and find information. They should not try to force the person into making certain choices. In Nevada, Supported Decision Making agreements must follow some basic rules. They need to be written down. They must name who the supporters are. They need to say what kinds of help the supporters can give. Both the person getting help and their supporters must sign the agreement. Two other people must witness these signatures. The guide gives an example about going to the dentist. If someone needs surgery with anesthesia, they can talk it over with their supporter first. But the final choice is still theirs to make. The guide also explains that providers should talk directly to the person making the choice, not just to their supporter. If a supporter tries to take over and make choices for someone, there is help available to remind them of their role. The guide lists places in Nevada where people can get more information or help with Supported Decision Making. These include the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and legal services. The main message is that Supported Decision Making helps people keep control of their own lives while getting the help they need. It protects their right to make choices, even if others might choose differently. This fits with treating people with disabilities with respect and supporting their independence.

Information, Guide English Any age

Supported Decision Making FAQs

Content Summary: SDM lets people with disabilities stay in control of their choices. They pick helpers they trust, like family, friends, or others they know well. These helpers explain things clearly and help the person think about their options. This helps the person make good choices for themselves. People can pick as many helpers as they want. Some states have rules about paid workers being helpers. But even in states without SDM laws, people can still use SDM to make choices. The person with a disability always makes the final choice, even if their helpers think differently. This is true even for choices that might seem risky. Helpers can give advice, but they can't force the person to choose something. For health care choices, people can name someone to decide for them if they get too sick to choose. These forms come in many languages. Anyone can use SDM, but people under 18 may have some limits because of their age, not their disability. Each state has different rules about guardianship and conservatorship. It's good to learn what these words mean in your state. People using SDM can get help even if they have a guardian now. They can try SDM to see if it works better for them than guardianship. SDM works for people with all types of disabilities because the help can change based on what each person needs. There are many places to get help with starting SDM. You can find guides and tools to help you begin. These resources show you how to pick good helpers and make SDM work well for you.

Information, Guide English Any age

Supported Decision Making During Transition & Beyond

Content Summary: SDM means getting help from people you trust to make your own choices. Everyone uses this kind of help, whether they have a disability or not. Some people use formal tools like legal papers, while others just ask friends and family for advice. The video explains that SDM is better than guardianship for many people. When someone has a guardian, they lose the right to make their own choices. With SDM, people keep their rights and learn from both good and bad choices. Research shows that when people make their own choices, they are safer and happier. You can start using SDM at any time. Your team of helpers can change as your needs change. Helpers can be family, friends, teachers, or neighbors. They can be paid helpers or just people who care about you. The main thing is picking people you trust who will listen to what you want. The video talks about a study of ten people who tried SDM. They all had different goals and different helpers. The study showed that SDM worked well. Even people who had guardians liked having more say in their choices. To use SDM, you can do several things. You can talk with your helpers often and write down your plans. You can use legal tools like Power of Attorney for some choices. You can also keep checking how things are going and make changes if needed. The video shares places to learn more about SDM. These include websites, guides, and legal help centers. It ends by answering questions from people watching the video. The main message is that SDM lets people with disabilities stay in charge of their lives while getting the help they need.

Information English Transition-age youth, Adults

Supported Decision Making and Health Care

Content Summary: SDM helps people with disabilities stay in control of their healthcare choices. When using SDM, a person picks one or more trusted helpers. These helpers explain medical info in ways that make sense. They also help the person ask questions and share their thoughts with doctors. The document shares real stories from people who use SDM. A video shows a young person talking about why SDM matters to them. We also hear from someone who helps others use SDM. These stories show some common problems. Often, doctors talk to helpers instead of talking directly to the person with a disability. Some doctors focus more on medical equipment than on the person using it. People with disabilities want doctors to speak to them first and give them time to think and ask questions. This is called person-centered care. It means doctors should work at a pace that fits each person's needs. Most states allow SDM. Some states have even made special laws about it. There are two main parts to the guide: one for doctors and one for people with disabilities and their helpers. The part for doctors has many common questions about SDM. It explains what SDM is, how it works, and how to talk with patients and their helpers. It also covers privacy and other legal matters. The second part is written in simple language for people with disabilities and their helpers. It explains how to use SDM and answers basic questions. At the end, there is a list of places to learn more about SDM. This includes groups that help people use SDM and special programs that test new ways to make SDM work better.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth, Adults, Any age

Supported Decision Making (SDM)

Content Summary: The guide starts by explaining that when someone turns 18, families often think conservatorship is the only way to keep helping their loved one. But conservatorship takes away a person's right to make choices, and it's very hard to end once it starts. A judge can even replace family members with a different guardian. Through four videos, the guide shows how SDM works better than conservatorship. SDM lets people keep their right to make choices while getting help they need. The first video explains that making our own choices helps us live better lives. Even if we need help understanding things, we should still have the final say. The second video explains problems with conservatorship. It treats decision-making like an all-or-nothing thing, but that's not true. People might need different levels of help with different kinds of choices. Taking away someone's right to choose doesn't make them safer. The third video shows how SDM works in real life. People with disabilities share their stories about making choices with help from others. They talk about how helpers explain options clearly and give them time to think about choices. The fourth video gives steps for starting SDM. First, think about what kinds of help you want. Then, work through choices by looking at your goals and options. Finally, pick trusted people to help with different parts of life, like health care or social choices. The guide includes forms to write down who your helpers will be and what kind of help you want. There's also a workbook that goes with the videos. The main message is that people with disabilities can make good choices when they have good support.

Information, Guide English, Vietnamese Adults, Older adults, Transition-age youth

SPREAD the Word: Communicating Choice

Content Summary: When students with disabilities turn 18 in Indiana, they get new rights to make their own choices. This includes choices about school, health care, and money. The guide explains that while this change is normal, some students might need help making good choices. Before students turn 18, their parents get letters about these upcoming changes. These letters explain how the rights will shift from parents to their children. The guide shows there are many ways to help students make choices after they turn 18. The document describes five main ways to support students, ranging from very light help to more control. The lightest support is just getting help from family and friends. This is called informal support. The next level is something called Supported Decision-Making, where the student picks trusted people to help them think through choices. With this option, the student still makes the final choice. There are also more formal ways to help, like giving someone power to make choices in certain areas, such as health care or money. These are called agency agreements. In some cases, a court might give someone limited power to help with specific things, called limited guardianship. The most control is full guardianship, where someone else makes most choices for the person. The guide spends extra time explaining Supported Decision-Making because Indiana made it a legal option in 2019. This choice lets students get help while keeping control of their own choices. It's less strict than guardianship and can be changed easily as the student's needs change. The document warns that too many students are being put under guardianship when they might not need that much help. The guide ends with a list of places where families can get more help and information. These include groups that support people with disabilities and places that can help with money matters. The main message is that there are many ways to help students make choices, and it's best to use the least controlling option that works for each student.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth

Shelter from the Storm: Supported Decision Making and Emergency Planning

Content Summary: The guide begins by explaining that emergencies can be very hard for people with disabilities. You might need special help finding accessible shelter, getting medical care, or staying connected with people who support you. But you can get ready for emergencies by planning ahead with help from people you trust. Supported decision-making means asking friends, family, doctors, case managers and other trusted people for advice while staying in control of your own choices. The guide says everyone uses supported decision-making in their daily lives, like asking friends for relationship advice or working with a job coach to find work. Research shows that when people with disabilities make their own decisions with support, they often have better, safer lives. The guide gives clear steps to get ready for emergencies. First, make a list of things you need to stay healthy, like a week's worth of food, water, medicine, and medical supplies. Then make a list of your supporters and their contact information. Pack an emergency "Go Bag" with important items in case you need to leave home quickly. The bag should have things like medications, ID cards, phone chargers, and contact lists. You should also make an emergency plan and practice it with your supporters. The plan should say where you'll go in an emergency, how you'll get there, what you'll bring, and how you'll stay in touch with people. Practice packing your Go Bag and going through your plan regularly. The guide recommends contacting emergency services before a crisis happens. Let your local fire department, ambulance services, and Red Cross know about your needs. Tell them if you need accessible transportation or have a service animal. Give them copies of your emergency lists and plans. Help is available to make these plans. The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council and its partners can answer questions and connect you with people who can help you prepare. The guide includes contact information for these organizations and links to more emergency planning resources. Writing an emergency plan might feel overwhelming, but taking small steps with support from people you trust can help you be ready when emergencies happen. The key is working together with your supporters to make plans that work for you.

Research, Information, Guide English Any age

Shared Decision-Making: Getting a Say in Your Care

Content Summary: The author had very different experiences with two psychiatrists. Her first psychiatrist made her feel small and powerless. This doctor didn't listen to her concerns or let her help make choices about her care. The author often felt upset and fought with this doctor. This made her treatment less helpful. Her second psychiatrist used shared decision-making. This means the doctor and patient work together to make care choices. The patient shares what they want to achieve. The doctor shares their expert advice about different options. Then they talk about the good and bad points of each choice. The author shares three main examples of how shared decision-making helped her. First, she wanted to have a career. Her first doctor said this was just a symptom of her illness. But her second doctor believed in her goals and helped her find ways to reach them. Next, she was sleeping too much because of her medicine. Her first doctor ignored her worries about sleeping 14 hours a day. But her second doctor changed her medicine and helped her sleep less. This made a big difference in her daily life. Last, she gained a lot of weight from her medicine. Her first doctor didn't seem to care how upset this made her. Her second doctor helped her find ways to lose weight safely while still treating her illness. The author also talks about how the doctors worked with her spouse. Her first doctor often talked to her spouse without telling her. This made her angry and less likely to share when she was struggling. Her second doctor made sure everyone agreed on how to share information. This helped improve her relationship with her spouse. The author ends by saying that patients should have a say in their care. She believes she would have gotten better faster if her first doctor had used shared decision-making. She thanks her second doctor for showing how working together leads to better results. Today, the author helps others with mental illness. She created online support groups and helps people in psychiatric hospitals. She serves on the board of NAMI New York City and shares her story to help others get better care.

Information English Adults

Shared Decision Making: Empowering People Living with Mental Illness

Content Summary: Shared decision making means doctors and patients work together to make choices about care. When people see their mental health doctor, there are many things to talk about but not much time. CommonGround helps fix this problem. Before seeing the doctor, patients use a computer or iPad to make a health report about how they're feeling. This helps doctors and patients use their time better. In shared decision making, both the doctor and patient are seen as experts. The doctor knows about medicine and science. The patient knows what matters most in their life. This works best when there are many care options to choose from. Studies show doctors often can't guess what treatment patients want, so it's important to talk it through together. Pat Deegan created CommonGround after seeing shared decision making work well in other types of health care. She knows firsthand why this matters. When she was young, doctors gave her too much medicine for her schizophrenia. She felt like a zombie and lost years of her life. She couldn't take part in choices about her care. Now, more than fifty health centers use CommonGround. The federal government supports shared decision making through health care laws. Big health groups like the Mayo Clinic are starting to use it too. This shows that health care is moving toward giving patients more say in their care. For shared decision making to work well, health centers need good leaders and money to keep the program going. It's more than just talking with patients or working together. It's a careful way to help people have real input in their care choices. The goal isn't just to take medicine - it's to help people build lives worth living. Pat Deegan says many people with mental illness still face the same problems she did. They get too much medicine and end up alone in their homes, not really living life. She believes shared decision making can help fix this by giving people more control over their care.

Information, Policy English, Spanish Children, Adults, Transition-age youth, Older adults

SDM and Education – Supported Decision-Making

Content Summary: Many schools tell parents to get guardianship when their child with a disability turns 18. Guardianship means the parent gets legal power to make choices for their adult child. Schools often suggest this without looking at other options that might work better. The document calls this the "school-to-guardianship pipeline." This happens because the move from high school to adult life is hard. Parents get lots of info all at once. They often feel stressed and rushed. Schools might not tell them about other ways to help their child make choices. The Center wants to change this pattern. They think school staff should know as much about supported decision-making as they do about guardianship. Supported decision-making lets people with disabilities make their own choices with help from others. The Center believes parents and kids should learn about both options, not just guardianship. They want young people to try supported decision-making before anyone thinks about guardianship. This would help show if the person can make choices with support instead of needing a guardian. The Center thinks guardianship should not be the first choice for every student who turns 18. There are two main times when schools can talk about other options besides guardianship. One is during transition planning, when the school helps plan for life after high school. The other is during IEP meetings, where teachers and parents plan the student's education. The Center offers training to help stop the rush to guardianship. They want to teach school staff and families about all their options. They ask people to contact them if they want training at their school. Their goal is to make sure everyone knows about supported decision-making. This way, young people with disabilities can have more control over their own lives when they become adults.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth, Adults

Sample Arguments for Brief Opposing Conservatorship in California

Content Summary: The guide explains four main points about opposing conservatorships. First, there must be strong proof that someone cannot take care of themselves. This means they cannot handle basics like food, clothes, health care, or housing. Courts cannot force people into conservatorships if they can care for themselves. This could be either alone or with help. The guide tells lawyers to look at how well people can actually do things. Test scores or mental health labels don’t tell us enough on their own. What matters is whether someone can handle daily life, make choices, and stay safe. If someone can do these things with help from family, friends, or caregivers, they should not be conserved. The guide points out that it's normal for young adults to want to become more independent from their parents. Just because parents want to stay involved in their child's life doesn't mean they should control it through conservatorship. There are better options than conservatorship. These options give people more freedom. One example is supported decision-making. This lets people pick trusted helpers who can assist them with choices while letting them stay in control. Before courts consider conservatorship, they must first look at these less restrictive options. The guide wraps up by stressing an important point. We must look at whether people can meet their basic needs when they have the right support. Many people can live good lives and make their own choices if they just have some help. Conservatorship should be the very last option, used only when nothing else works.

Information, Policy English Adults

Role of Decision Supports in Elder Abuse Prevention and Recovery

Introduction: This video webinar from the American Bar Association teaches people how to protect older adults from abuse. This is done by using decision support systems. The video explains ways to help older adults make choices safely while keeping their rights and dignity. 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 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

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

Preserving the Right to Self-determination: Supported Decision-Making

Content Summary: Guardianship is a legal process that can take away people's right to make their own choices. When courts put someone under guardianship, they say that person cannot make decisions anymore. Someone else makes all their choices for them. This happens to many people with disabilities and older people with memory problems. The Administration for Community Living thinks there are better ways to help people. They support something called supported decision-making. This means helping people make their own choices instead of taking over for them. With supported decision-making, helpers get to know each person well. They learn what kind of help that person needs. Some people need a little help. Others need more help. The help changes based on what each person needs. In 2015, the government gave money to start a new center. This center would teach people about supported decision-making. It would gather information about how supported decision-making works. It would help states learn about ways to help people besides guardianship. The government knows that some people have trouble understanding or telling others what they want. But supported decision-making can still help these people. It can be changed to give more or less help as needed. Even when someone needs a lot of help, supported decision-making tries to respect their wishes. Supported decision-making works in different ways for different people. Some people just need help understanding choices. Others need more support to make choices. The important thing is that it lets people keep their rights. It helps them stay in charge of their own lives as much as they can.

Information English Any age

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

PRACTICAL Tool for Lawyers: Steps in Supporting Decision-Making

Content Summary: The guide uses a word tool called PRACTICAL to help lawyers remember important steps. Each letter stands for something lawyers should think about before seeking guardianship. First, lawyers should start by thinking that guardianship might not be needed. They should look for other ways to help the person stay in control of their life. Next, lawyers should understand why someone thinks guardianship is needed. They should check if the person is having short term problems that could get better, like being sick or sad. Sometimes simple fixes like getting hearing aids or reviewing medicine can solve the problem. The guide tells lawyers to look for community help first. There are many services that can help people stay independent. These include meal delivery, transportation, and money help. Family and friends can often provide support too. The person might already have trusted people helping them make choices. Lawyers should look at what the person can do, not just what they can't do. They should ask if the person can understand choices and explain their thinking. If someone needs extra help, they might be able to choose a trusted person to be their power of attorney or help manage their money. The guide warns lawyers to watch out for people who might take advantage of someone with a disability. They should make sure any helpers are trustworthy and stable. If guardianship is truly needed as a last resort, it should be limited to just the areas where the person needs help. The guardian should still involve the person in decisions whenever possible. The main message is that lawyers should try everything else before guardianship. Most people can make their own choices with the right support. This helps them keep their rights and dignity while getting the help they need.

Guide English Any age

PRACTICAL Tool for Healthcare Providers: Putting Supported Decision Making in Action for Medical Professionals

Content Summary: The guide begins with the PRACTICAL Tool, which was first made by the American Bar Association for lawyers but has been changed to help healthcare providers. The name PRACTICAL is an acronym where each letter stands for a step in the process. The guide explains that guardianship should not be the first choice for people with disabilities. Instead, providers should look at other options that let people keep their rights while getting the help they need. These options include supported decision-making agreements, power of attorney documents, advance directives, and HIPAA releases. The tool helps providers identify what specific help a person might need with things like money management, healthcare decisions, relationships, living in the community, and personal safety. It asks providers to check if problems might be caused by temporary issues like medication side effects, stress, or sensory problems that can be fixed. The guide reminds providers that about 25% of South Carolinians have a disability, and having a disability alone does not mean someone cannot make their own decisions. It explains that supported decision-making allows people to choose trusted friends, family members, or professionals to help them understand choices without taking away their right to decide. The document explains the benefits of supported decision-making, which can lead to better mental health, more self-confidence, and greater independence. In contrast, guardianship can take away many rights including the right to marry, vote, drive, work, and choose where to live. The guide includes a checklist for providers to make sure they've given patients a fair chance to show their decision-making abilities. It also lists resources like transition timelines for youth moving to adult healthcare, assessment tools, and agreement templates. The main message is that healthcare providers should assume patients can make decisions unless there is clear evidence they cannot, even with support. Providers should work to preserve patients' rights while ensuring they have the help they need to live as independently as possible.

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

Power of Attorney

Content Summary: On PowerofAttorney.com, you can create legal documents called Power of Attorney, or POA. These forms let you name a person, called an agent, to make decisions for you. This is important if you cannot make decisions yourself. The forms cover areas like money, health care, and other matters. Each form has key parts. It lists your name and your agent's name, along with addresses and contact details. It explains what powers you are giving to your agent. You can give them broad powers or limit them to certain tasks. You can also set when the POA starts and ends. Some forms let you add special instructions, like limits on what your agent can do. To make the form legal, you may need to sign it in front of witnesses or a notary. The website offers different types of POA forms. A Durable Power of Attorney lets your agent manage your money even if you become sick and cannot act yourself. A General Power of Attorney also lets your agent handle your money, but it ends if you become sick. A Medical Power of Attorney lets your agent make health care choices for you if you cannot. You can state your wishes about treatments or life support. A Limited Power of Attorney gives your agent power over a specific task, like selling a car. Once the task is done, the POA ends. A Parental Power of Attorney lets parents choose someone to care for their child if they are away. A Real Estate Power of Attorney lets your agent handle property matters, like buying or selling a house. A Tax Power of Attorney lets your agent deal with tax issues, like filing returns or talking to tax agencies. Because laws vary by state, PowerofAttorney.com provides forms that meet your state's rules. You can find out if you need witnesses or a notary when you sign. The website also offers guides to help you understand the POA process. You can learn how to choose an agent and how to sign and manage your POA. If your needs change, you can also learn how to cancel a POA.

Tool/form English Any age

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 Older adults, Adults

Partners in Health: Implementing Supported Healthcare Decision-Making for Users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication in California

Content Summary: People are healthiest when they understand their health, help make decisions about their care, get support from trusted helpers, and have as much control as possible. Supported Healthcare Decision-Making lets people with disabilities choose who helps them and how. With this approach, the person with a disability makes their own choices, not someone else. Getting healthcare can be hard for everyone. It can be even harder for the five million Americans who don't use speech as their main way to talk. Many people feel better when they bring someone they trust to doctor visits. People with disabilities can choose helpers to go with them to appointments. If speech doesn't work well for someone, they can ask for help to use the type of communication that works best for them. Helpers can assist with sharing symptoms, asking questions, understanding choices, and telling the doctor what treatment the person wants. Helpers can also do things like make appointments, help with getting dressed, or picking up medicines. The person can sign an agreement that explains what kind of help they want. This helps everyone know what to do. The agreement can also say what to do if their helper can't be there. Sometimes people get too sick to make choices. When possible, it's best if they decide for themselves. But if they can't decide, even with help, they can pick someone to decide for them. This person is called a Power of Attorney. People can also write down what care they want if they get very sick or old. This is called an Advance Directive. Regional Centers or State Councils on Developmental Disabilities can help create these papers. Families often worry about what will happen when they can't help as much as before. Supported Healthcare Decision-Making creates a plan for getting help. When people know more about their health, they can make better choices. When they talk directly with their doctor, the doctor will understand them better. Each time they make their own decisions, they learn and get better at it. In California, everyone over 18 is legally able to make decisions unless a judge says otherwise. Even if someone needs help to communicate or has a disability, they still have the right to decide about their life. The guide explains how doctors, helpers, and people with disabilities can work together to make health care choices while respecting everyone's role.

Information, Guide, Tool/form English Adults

Partners in Health: Implementing Supported Healthcare Decision-Making for Users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Content Summary: People are healthiest when they understand their care and help make choices. Even if someone has trouble speaking, they can still make helath choices with the right help. The guide explains how doctors and helpers can support people with disabilities to make their own medical choices. The guide teaches that having a disability or trouble speaking doesn't mean someone can't make good choices. Everyone communicates in different ways. Some people use hand signs or facial expressions. Others might use special devices or computers to share their thoughts. Helpers can assist by explaining medical terms in simple words and going to doctor visits. They can take notes or help schedule appointments. The guide talks about "shared decision-making," which means doctors and patients work together to make choices. When someone needs extra help, they can use "supported decision-making." This means picking trusted people to help explain choices and talk with doctors. The person with a disability still makes the final choice. The guide gives clear steps for doctors to follow. They should talk directly to the patient, not just to helpers. They should give people enough time to communicate and understand choices. Doctors should also make their offices easy for people with disabilities to use, like having accessible exam tables. The guide also explains what to do in emergencies. People should have important papers ready, like a list of their medicines and how they communicate best. They should pick someone to help make choices if they get too sick to decide. This person is called a Power of Attorney. The main message is that people with disabilities have the right to make their own healthcare choices. With good support and the right tools, they can work with doctors to get the care they need. The guide shows how everyone can work together to make this happen.

Information, Tool/form English, Spanish Older adults, Adults, Children, Transition-age youth

Overview of Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship

Content Summary: The training explains how guardianship works and what guardians can and cannot do. A guardian is someone the court picks to help make choices for a person who needs support. Some states call these helpers "conservators" instead of guardians. These helpers can make choices about the person's care, money, or property. Before turning to guardianship, the training suggests trying simpler options first. These options work when a person can still make their own choices. Some examples are setting up a power of attorney, picking someone to make health choices, or creating joint bank accounts. These options help people keep control over their lives. The training then explains what happens if these simpler options don't work. In these cases, someone must ask the court to set up a guardianship. The court looks at whether the person can make good choices for themselves. The law calls this "capacity." The court must tell the person about the guardianship request. The person can say no if they don't want a guardian. If the court agrees that someone needs a guardian, they will pick one. But guardianship isn't forever. The court can change what the guardian can do or end the guardianship if needed. Sometimes, people agree to have a guardian help them. This is called a voluntary guardianship. These work best because the person helps choose how they want to be helped. The training ends by explaining what guardians must do. It covers how guardians must tell the court about their work and where to find more help. The main message is that guardianship should be the last choice, used only when other options won't work.

Training English Any age

Options to help someone with an impairment or disability

Content Summary: The website shows how each type of help works using a simple chart. The chart tells you what kind of help each option gives and whether courts need to be involved. The first way to help is called supported decision-making. This lets people with disabilities get help from people they trust, like family or friends, to make choices. They can plan ahead about what kinds of choices they want help with. This help can be changed or stopped at any time. Power of attorney is the second option. This lets someone pick another person to make certain choices for them, like about money or legal matters. They can say exactly when and how this person can help. This plan can also be changed or ended. The third choice is an advanced healthcare directive. This is like power of attorney but just for health choices. People can write down what kind of care they want if they get too sick to speak for themselves. These plans can be changed when needed. Fourth is a representative payee. This is someone who helps manage Social Security money. They must spend the money in ways that help the person with disabilities. A special needs trust is the fifth option. This is a special bank account that helps people keep their public benefits. Once it's set up, it can't be changed. Someone called a trustee watches over the money. The sixth option is called a guardian ad litem. This person stands in for someone with disabilities in court and can make choices for them. The last two options are limited and full conservatorship. These give someone else the right to make choices for a person with disabilities for a set time. These are the most restrictive options because they take away some rights from the person with disabilities.

Information English Any age

Ohio Network for Innovation (ONI) Supported Decsion Making Resources

Introduction: The Ohio Network for Innovation (ONI) made a map of resources about supported decision-making. This map helps people learn about and use supported decision-making in their daily lives. The map has links to many helpful websites sorted by different life areas, like health, work, and housing. 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

National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making

Content Summary: The NRC-SDM has a Resource Library with guides, tools, and real examples. These help people learn about making choices in areas like health care, school, money, and jobs. Each state has different rules about supported decision-making. The NRC-SDM shows what the rules are in each state. This helps people find the exact information they need for where they live. The NRC-SDM gives sample forms that people can use. These forms help write down who will help with decisions and how they will help. People can change these forms to fit what they need. They can use supporters for some decisions, but not others, and choose which areas of life they need help with. People can also watch videos and read stories on the website. These show how supported decision-making works in real life. The stories come from people who use supported decision-making every day. They share how it has made their lives better. The Jenny Hatch Justice Project is a special part of the NRC-SDM. This project helps people learn about their rights. It shows them how to use supported decision-making in their own lives. The NRC-SDM brings together all kinds of help in one place. It has forms, guides, state rules, and personal stories. The goal is to help people with disabilities live on their own terms. This means they can make their own choices and be active in their communities. The NRC-SDM helps many different people. It helps people with disabilities, their families, teachers, and other helpers. Everyone can learn how supported decision-making works and how to use it well.

Information, Tool/form, Guide, Research English Transition-age youth, Adults, Older adults

Moving to Adult Healthcare

Content Summary: The website offers many resources to help with transition. Young people can find guides to know what HCT means and how to manage their own health care. It tells them how to prepare for changes like new doctors. They can also learn about their legal rights and how to be self-advocates. This means speaking up for one’s self when making choices. The site has videos, worksheets, and tips that are easy to follow and designed to help young people feel confident during this change. For parents and caregivers, the website gives practical advice on how to support their child’s health care transition. There are checklists and timelines that help parents understand what steps need to be taken and when. This includes helping their child talk with doctors, handle medicine, and take charge of their own health care as they grow older. Health care providers can find resources to support their patients. The website offers toolkits, quick guides, and training programs. They teach providers how to make the transition smoother. Trainings cover topics like how to help youth with disabilities become more independent in managing their health. They cover how to ensure ongoing care when patients move to adult health services. Providers can access best-practice guidelines, which give them clear steps to follow during the transition process. The site also promotes youth leadership. Young people with disabilities can join leadership programs. These programs give them a chance to share their stories, learn skills, and advocate for better health care systems. There are more tools, trainings, and information for youth, families, and professionals. The website’s goal is to ensure that young people with disabilities receive quality care. It promotes learning how to take control of health in becoming an adult. The resources and programs on the site can make this process easier.

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

Missouri Stoplight Tool

Content Summary: The tool helps check how well someone can make choices about their life. It looks at many parts of daily life. These include work, health, safety, money, and relationships. For each life area, there are questions to answer. The answers use three colors, like a stoplight. Green means the person can do things on their own or with help they already have. Yellow means they might need more help making choices. Red means they might need someone else to make choices for them. When filling out the tool, people first look at what someone can do on their own. They mark these things green. Then they look at what someone needs help with. They mark these things yellow. They only mark things red if no other kind of help will work. The tool shows many ways to help someone besides getting a guardian. Some people use supported decision-making. This means friends or family help them understand choices. Some people give someone they trust power of attorney. This lets that person help with specific things. Some people get a representative payee to help with Social Security money. The form asks about many kinds of choices. It asks if someone can find a job or manage money. It checks if they can stay healthy and safe. It looks at how they handle relationships and community life. It also asks if they know their rights and can speak up for themselves. The tool reminds us that people's needs change over time. Someone might need different kinds of help as they learn and grow. People should look at the form again at least once a year. Getting a guardian is a big step that can be hard to undo. The tool helps find other ways to help first. It shows that many people can make their own choices if they have the right kind of help. Full guardianship should only be used when no other help will work.

Tool/form English Any age

Limited Conservatorships & Alternatives

Introduction: This guide explains limited conservatorship in California. A limited conservatorship helps adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. It is different from other types of conservatorship. It lets people keep some of their rights to make choices. This guide shows how a limited conservatorship is set up and what other options exist to help people with disabilities. 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

Let’s Talk About Supported Decision Making

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making lets people with disabilities choose trusted helpers while keeping control of their own choices. These helpers, called supporters, can be family, friends, or professionals. Supporters help gather information, explain options, and share decisions with others, but they don't make decisions for the person. The person decides what kind of help they want and who will help them. To start SDM, a person first thinks about what decisions they already make well and where they want help. They pick trusted people as supporters and fill out an agreement form. The form lists what kinds of help they want, like help with health care, housing, money, or other choices. The agreement must be signed by two witnesses or a notary. The law in Wisconsin says SDM is for people who have trouble with daily tasks or communication. This includes people with physical or mental disabilities, aging adults, and people with ongoing health issues. SDM is less limiting than guardianship, which takes away someone's right to make choices. With SDM, people keep their rights and can change or end the agreement when they want. A person can have more than one supporter and can get different kinds of help for different decisions. They can ask for help understanding medical information, managing money, finding housing, or dealing with other life choices. The guide includes a worksheet to help people think about what help they need and who might be good supporters. The agreement form explains what supporters can and can't do. Supporters must keep personal information private and can only help with things the person has agreed to. If a supporter doesn't do their job well or hurts the person, the agreement automatically ends. The guide also includes a tracking form to record who has copies of the agreement.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English, Spanish Adults, Older adults

Let’s Learn About Supported Decision-Making

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.

Training, Guide, Information English, Spanish Adults

Legal Basics—Decision-Making Support

Content Summary: The training starts by explaining that making choices is a basic human right. Every adult should have the chance to make their own decisions, even if they need help. This idea comes from laws in Australia that set rules for helping people make choices. When someone helps another person make choices, they should break big decisions into smaller, easier parts. They should explain different options and what might happen with each choice. The best way to help someone make choices is to talk with them in person. For money choices, there are several ways helpers can assist. They can set up direct deposit of money into bank accounts. They can explain how to pay bills automatically. They can also watch for any problems with money and answer questions. New tools like fall alerts, GPS trackers, and medication reminders can help older adults stay safe while making their own choices. For money matters, people can also use formal tools like joint bank accounts or legal papers that let others help manage money. For health care choices, it's vital to talk about what the person believes and wants for their health. Helpers can explain medical choices, speak up for the person's wishes, and make sure doctors understand what the person wants. Sometimes, when nothing else works, a court may need to give someone else the power to make choices for an older adult. This is called guardianship. But this should only happen after trying all other ways to help the person make their own choices. The main message is that we should help older adults keep control of their lives as much as possible. Even when people need help with choices, their wishes and values should guide all decisions.

Training, Information, Guide, Policy English Older adults, Adults

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 ad 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

How to Make a Supported Decision-Making Agreement

Content Summary: The guide walks through how to set up SDM step by step. First, it helps people think about what kinds of choices they make in their life. These could be choices about where to live, what to eat, how to spend money, or when to see a doctor. Then it helps them figure out which choices they can make alone and which ones they want help with. Next, the guide helps people pick their supporters. A good supporter is someone the person trusts who agrees to help them. Different supporters can help with different kinds of choices. For example, one person might help with money choices while another helps with medical choices. The guide includes sheets to help people talk to possible supporters about what kind of help they want. Once someone picks their supporters, they fill out an agreement form. This form lists who the supporters are and what kind of help they will give. Everyone signs the form in front of a notary, who makes sure everything is official. The form makes it clear that supporters help with choices but don't make the final choice - that's up to the decider. The guide explains many ways supporters can help. They might explain things in simple words, show pictures, make lists of good and bad points about each choice, go with the person to meetings, or remind them about important things. A person can change their mind about their supporters or the kind of help they want at any time. The guide includes extra forms that let supporters see medical records or school records if needed. It also lists places to learn more about SDM. Everything in the guide is written in simple words with lots of examples to help people understand. The goal is to help people with disabilities keep their right to make their own choices while getting the support they need to make good choices. The guide makes it clear that everyone, with or without a disability, sometimes needs help making choices. SDM is just a formal way to set up that help while making sure the person keeps control of their own life choices.

Tool/form, Guide, Information English Adults

Health Care Transition Support Videos for People Impacted by Spina Bifida

Content Summary: The first video talks about helping children with spina bifida grow up healthy. It explains how schools can help through special education plans. The video shows ways to build confidence in children with spina bifida. It also talks about setting goals they can reach. The second video is about teenagers with spina bifida. It shows how teens can become more independent. The video covers important topics like mental health and relationships. It helps teens feel more at ease talking to parents and doctors about personal matters. The third video helps teens take charge of their own health care. It teaches them about their medicines and daily care needs. The video shows how teens can speak up at doctor visits. It also helps them learn to manage their time and stay organized. The fourth video helps older teens pick adult doctors and health insurance. It shows how to set goals for the future. The video explains how adult healthcare is different from child healthcare. It helps teens get ready for these changes. The fifth video teaches young adults how to move to adult healthcare. It explains how to handle doctor visits on their own. The video shows how to get help paying for healthcare. It also tells about places in the community that can help. The last video goes over the main points from all five videos. It reminds viewers about the most important things to know when moving from child to adult healthcare with spina bifida. Together, these videos help people with spina bifida and their families plan for growing up. They show how to handle changes in school, healthcare, and daily life. The videos give useful tips for becoming more independent while getting the right support.

Training, Information, Guide English, Spanish Children, Transition-age youth, Adults

Future Planning: A Roadmap of Our Futures, Our Wishes

Content Summary: The guide has four main parts that help people plan for the future. It begins with a talk about why planning matters and why you should start now. The authors say that planning is a process that takes time. Change happens in life, and people need to be ready. Some things that make people start planning are: getting older, health problems, leaving school, or moving to a new place. The second part has worksheets that help people talk about their needs and wishes. There are sheets about daily activities, what brings joy, and who can help with support. The sheets help people see what a person can do alone and what they need help with. There are also sheets about finding jobs, school choices, and living with roommates. There's even a form for emergencies with space for phone numbers and health info. The third part covers money and laws. It explains ABLE accounts, which help people with disabilities save money. It also talks about how to make choices with help from others. The guide shares tips for thinking about guardianship very carefully before choosing that path. The last part shares real stories from people with disabilities and their families. These stories show how important friends and family are for a good life. The stories talk about how roles change over time and how siblings often help care for each other. They also show how people with disabilities want to be treated with respect and included. The guide ends with three profiles: Christopher and his sister Cassandra, Dirk and his sister Tracy, and Katie who teaches others about speaking up for themselves. These stories show real planning in action. Christopher wants to live with family, Dirk has a new clothing system that helps him stay independent, and Katie dreams of marriage and roommates in her future. Throughout the guide, the authors remind readers to start planning early, be flexible as things change, ask for help, and stay hopeful. They stress that good planning puts the person with a disability at the center of all choices.

Tool/form, Information, Guide English Any age

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

Free to Be

Content Summary: Jamie shows why having control over your own choices matters. In the past, the court system gave other people the power to make Jamie's choices. This is called guardianship. But Jamie wanted to make her own choices about where to live, what to do, and how to spend her money. Now Jamie can ride buses by herself and try new things. She speaks up for what she wants and needs. This is different from guardianship, which takes away basic rights like choosing where to live or what to buy. Instead, Jamie uses something called supported decision-making. This means she can ask for help when she needs it, but still make her own final choices. Jamie tells her story to people across the country. She wants to help others understand why making your own choices is so important. When you can make choices, you can learn from mistakes and grow as a person. Jamie has shown this through her own life. She has a job and gives speeches about her experiences. At the time this video was made, Indiana was trying new ways to help people make their own choices. They were testing a program that might change the laws about guardianship. Jamie's story shows why this matters. With help from friends and family, people can make good choices for themselves. Each small step forward, like Jamie taking the bus alone or speaking in public, shows why this change is important. Jamie's story helps people understand that everyone should have the chance to make their own choices. With the right support, people with disabilities can live full lives and learn from their experiences, just like everyone else.

Information, Guide English Adults

Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship

Introduction: This is a free online training course for people who help those with disabilities make decisions. Whether you are a family member, guardian, or caregiver, this course can help you learn how to support someone with a disability. The training takes about 3 hours to finish and comes with downloadable lesson materials. 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

Fact Sheet on Assembly Bill 1663: The Probate Conservatorship Reform and Supported Decision-Making Act

Content Summary: In California, there is a system called probate conservatorship. It lets someone else make choices for a person with disabilities or an older adult. These choices can be about where to live and what to eat. They can be about healthcare and how to spend money. Once someone is in conservatorship, it's very hard for them to get out of it. The new law wants to make sure people try other options first. One main option is called Supported Decision-Making. This means people pick trusted helpers to explain choices and help them make decisions. The person with a disability still gets to make their own final choice. The law makes four big changes. First, it helps people avoid conservatorship by making Supported Decision-Making a legal option. Second, it makes courts try other options before conservatorship. Third, it makes it easier to end conservatorship if the person doesn't need or want it anymore. Fourth, it gives people under conservatorship more say in their lives. Under this law, conservators must listen to what the person wants. They must try to make choices that match their wishes. They must also help the person learn to make more choices on their own. The courts must first consider letting family members or other trusted people chosen by the person be the conservator before picking someone else. Many disability rights groups support this law. It protects people's rights while making sure they can get help when they need it. The law creates programs to teach people about Supported Decision-Making and other ways to help someone make choices and keep their rights. The main goal is to make sure people keep their right to make choices about their own lives. The law recognizes that most people can make good choices when they have the right support and information.

Policy English Adults

Education, Employment, and Independent Living: SDM in Spec Ed and Voc Rehab

Content Summary: Supported decision-making helps students with disabilities take charge of their own lives. Instead of having others make choices for them, these students learn to make decisions with help and guidance. Many schools still push parents to get guardianship, which takes away a student's freedom to choose. The key is teaching students how to make good choices from an early age. When students join their school meetings and talk about their goals, they become more confident. They learn to speak up for themselves and understand what they want in life. Vocational rehabilitation programs play a big role in this process. These programs help students find jobs and learn work skills. They focus on what the student wants, not what others think is best. Students get support to understand job options and make choices about their careers. Research shows that students who make their own choices do better in school and work. They feel more happy and independent. Learning to make decisions starts early and continues through school and into adult life. Schools and job support programs need to work together. They should help students learn how to choose what's best for them. This means listening to the student and giving them tools to understand their options. Some people assume that students with disabilities can't make their own choices; however this is far from the truth. With the right support, these students can learn to make great decisions about their education, jobs, and life. Supported decision-making is about trust and believing in a student's ability to grow and choose their own path. The goal is to help students become strong, independent adults who can make their own choices. This approach gives students confidence and helps them build the life they want.

Information, Guide English Transition-age youth, Children

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 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

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

Closing the Justice Gap for Older Adults Part 2: Representing Clients with a Range of Decisional Capabilities

Content Summary: The webinar shows how lawyers can help older adults keep control of their life choices, even with memory problems like dementia. It explains that the power to make choices isn't fixed. Instead, it can change from day to day or even hour to hour. Age alone doesn't decide if someone can make good choices. Lawyers often have hidden biases about older people that can get in the way of letting clients make their own choices. The webinar teaches lawyers to see themselves as helpers rather than as gatekeepers of their clients' choices. The video points out that other people in an older person's life can help or hurt their ability to make choices. Family members, friends, and social workers can offer good support, like helping with rides or setting up video calls. But lawyers need to watch out when these helpers try to make choices that the client doesn't want. Money managers and other official helpers need to listen to what older clients want. Lawyers should make sure these helpers are doing what's best for the client, not what's easiest for themselves. The webinar also teaches lawyers how to change their usual ways of working to better help older clients. This means giving clients more time, taking breaks when needed, and making sure the meeting place works well for them. Lawyers should use large print and simple words in documents. They should fill out forms for clients who need help. These small changes help older adults stay in charge of their own choices. The main message is clear: lawyers should help older clients keep their power to make choices, not take that power away. With the right support and respect, most older adults can and should make their own decisions about their lives.

Training, Information English Older adults, Adults

California Legislative Information

Content Summary: Before this law, many adults with disabilities had to use conservatorships, where a court gives someone else the power to make choices for them. But conservatorships can take away too many rights from people. This new law says courts must try less strict options first. The law creates Supported Decision Making as a new way to help adults with disabilities. With this option, people pick trusted helpers to support them in making their own choices. These helpers could be family, friends, or others who know them well. The person with a disability stays in charge of their own choices, but gets help understanding options and speaking up about what they want. The law makes courts tell people about their rights in simple words they can understand. Everyone under conservatorship must get a yearly letter that lists what rights they still have. These rights include things like getting mail, having visitors, and making some choices about their health care. Courts must now check more often to make sure conservatorships are still needed. They must look for ways to help people make more choices on their own. If someone wants to end their conservatorship, the court must listen to them and consider their request. The law also creates programs in every court to help people learn about their options. These programs will teach people about Supported Decision Making and other ways to get help without giving up their rights. The programs will help people fill out forms and understand how to use these options. The law sets clear rules about who can be a helper in Supported Decision Making. Helpers must be honest and respect what the person wants. They cannot be someone who has hurt the person or broken their trust before. The person with a disability can change their mind about their helpers at any time.

Policy English Adults, Any age

Bridging the Gap: Improving Healthcare Access for People with Disabilities

Content Summary: The video begins by telling a story about a woman who had a difficult experience with a mammogram. She felt upset, as the experience was not only uncomfortable but also showed how healthcare services sometimes fail to meet the needs of people with disabilities. This is not an isolated case, and many people with physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges face similar problems when seeking medical care. Throughout the video, it is emphasized that people with disabilities often experience significant health disparities. These problems prevent them from living quality lives in their communities. The video says that the way healthcare is delivered must change to better support individuals with complex disabilities. Health professionals must be open to learning and adapting to the needs of their patients. For example, one doctor shares how she learned not to make assumptions about a patient’s daily activities. By asking more questions and listening to the patient, she was able to understand the patient’s real needs and make better healthcare decisions. The video also talks about the importance of creating an environment where people with disabilities feel comfortable and supported. This includes providing longer appointments, training office staff, and ensuring that all patients can communicate their needs. The goal of healthcare should be not only to treat disease but also to help people live healthy and active lives. Looking toward the future, the video expresses hope that people with disabilities and their families will have higher expectations for the care they receive. The hope is for a system where healthcare workers, including doctors and office staff, are allies and provide the right support. The video concludes by saying that with the right adjustments, healthcare can be more inclusive, efficient, and respectful of everyone’s rights.

Information, Guide English Any age

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. ot 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

Autistic Self Advocacy Network Supported Decision-Making Model Legislature

Content Summary: The template explains what supported decision-making means and who can take part. It defines key words like "disability" and "health care" so everyone understands them the same way. Health care means any kind of medical care or treatment. An adult who wants help can choose one or more supporters. These supporters must be at least 18 years old. Supporters can help in many ways. They can help schedule doctor visits, find health info, and talk to doctors. But the adult with a disability always makes the final choice. The template aims to give people more options besides guardianship, which takes away their right to make choices. Not everyone can be a supporter. People cannot be supporters if they owe money to the adult who wants help. They also cannot be supporters if they tried to become the adult's guardian. This protects adults with disabilities from people who might not put their needs first. The template includes a form called a supported decision-making agreement. This form lets adults write down who their supporters are and what kind of help they want. The form makes clear that adults have the right to make their own choices. Adults can also pick backup supporters in case their first choice cannot help. The agreement form has rules to keep everyone safe. It tells supporters and adults how to report abuse if they see it. It also lets adults choose when the agreement starts and ends. The form needs basic info like names, addresses, and phone numbers. A notary must watch people sign the form to make it official. This template gives clear steps to follow. It makes sure adults with disabilities can get help making choices while keeping their rights. It also makes sure supporters know what they should and should not do.

Tool/form, Guide, Information English Adults

Authorizations to Share Medical and Educational Records

Content Summary: When someone turns 18, they have the right to make their own choices. Some people think adults with disabilities need a conservatorship, but there are simpler ways to get help. The document includes easy-to-use forms that let people share their medical and school info with people they trust. For medical choices, you can sign a form called a HIPAA Release. This lets people you trust see your medical records. You can also bring anyone you want to your doctor visits. If you ever get too sick to make choices, you can sign a form called a Power of Attorney for Health Care. This lets someone you pick make health choices for you. For school choices, you can sign a form that lets people come to your IEP meetings and see your school records. You don't even need to sign anything to bring someone to your IEP meeting - you can just invite them. For money matters, there are also ways to get help without giving up control. Someone can become your representative payee to help manage government checks like SSI. You can also set up joint bank accounts or special debit cards that help stop scams. The document includes three simple forms written in clear language. The first form is called "Sharing My Medical Information." It lets you pick who can see your medical records and for how long. The second form is "If I Need Help Making Medical Choices." This lets you choose someone to make health choices if you can't make them yourself. The third form is "Sharing School Information." This lets you pick someone to help with school choices and see your records. All these forms use simple words and clear instructions. They explain your rights and let you stay in control. You can change your mind about sharing info at any time. The forms need to be signed and sometimes need witnesses to make them legal. For medical forms, the witnesses can't be your doctors or people who work where you live. These options are easier and cheaper than getting a conservatorship. They let you get help while keeping your right to make your own choices. You can pick who helps you and what kind of help you want.

Tool/form, Guide English Any age

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 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

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","Spanish","Tagalog","Vietnamese"], Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, Hmong, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese Any age

Alaska Department of Health Supported Decision Making Agreement

Content Summary: A Supported Decision-Making Agreement is a tool that helps people with disabilities stay independent. With an SDMA, a person can choose trusted helpers who will support them in making decisions. These helpers don't make choices for the person. Instead, they help the person understand information and learn how to make their own choices. Anyone can use an SDMA in any part of their life. The agreement helps protect a person's independence and personal wishes. People using an SDMA pick supporters they trust. These supporters help explain things clearly and make sure the person has all the information they need to decide. The website explains how to create an SDMA. It offers guides and resources to help people get started. The page includes sections that answer common questions. These questions cover topics like how students can use SDMAs, how teachers can help, and when families should start talking about decision-making support. The resource provides links to helpful organizations. These groups can give more information about SDMAs. There are also resources for supporters, like tips for caring for themselves while helping others. The goal of an SDMA is simple: help people with disabilities make their own choices. It's different from guardianship because the person keeps control of their life. Supporters are there to help, not to take over. People can learn more by visiting the website, reading the guides, and talking with trusted helpers. The page makes it easy to understand how SDMAs can help people live more independently and make choices that matter to them.

Information, Guide English Adults

Advance Planning Basics: An Overview for Advocates

Content Summary: The webinar explains that everyone should start planning by age 18, then update their plans every ten years or when big life changes happen. Planning helps make sure your wishes are followed, not what others think is best. It can also help you avoid having a guardian who makes all your choices. The speakers say it is important to talk openly with family and helpers about what you want. This includes telling them about health care wishes and who should help make choices when sick. Wishes should be written down in documents like living wills and power of attorney forms. For health care choices, you can pick someone called a health care agent to help you. This person should know what kind of care you want or don't want. The webinar explains how to choose this helper and set clear rules about how they can help. There are tools like "Five Wishes" and "Go-Wish" that help you think about and share what matters most to you. For money matters, the speakers suggest setting up automatic bill pay and letting trusted helpers see your accounts without giving them full control. You might also want someone called a representative payee to help manage benefits like Social Security. Writing down your wishes for money matters helps prevent fights later. The webinar talks about getting legal help to make these plans. This help is important if you do not speak English. Some lawyers work for free or low cost to help with this planning. There are also programs where doctors and lawyers work together to help with health and legal issues. The main message is to start planning early and keep plans up to date. When you talk openly with your helpers and write down your wishes, you're more likely to get the care you want as you age.

Guide, Information English Older adults, Adults

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

ACLU Supported Decision-Making Agreement

Content Summary: The template helps make a Supported Decision-Making Agreements. This can be done with a sample. The template is 9 pages long. It allows a person requesting support (or "decider") to choose trusted people (or "supporters") to help make choices. This ensures that choices are what they want. The decider leads choice with a guide. Supporters can help deciders to understand choices. A decider can change the agreement if they want to. They do not have to sign the agreement. Contact information is listed for the decider and up to three chosen supporters. The decider can choose specific topics of areas where they want help. Areas of help can be different for each supporter. Topics can be personal care, staying safe, and housing. Topics can be work, friends, and health choices. They could be about partners, money, or other. "Other" is for custom topics where the decider help. Deciders choose when and how they talk to supports. They can plan regular meeting with supporters if they want to. There are places to give special instructions if needed. The agreement sets a monitor. A monitor is someone who double verifies that the supporter is being honest about money. Monitors are important when supporters are helping with money. The monitor cannot be a supporter. They must be a different person who is independent. The agreement gives options to share private health or school information. This is optional. There is a section for supporters to give consent to their role. The monitor also gives consent. At the end, all people involved must sign their name. There must be two witnesses. They confirm that the agreement was done fairly.

Guide, Tool/form English Adults, Children, Older adults, Any age

AARP Litigation – Ryan Keith Tonner

Content Summary: When someone has a guardian, they lose many basic rights. They can't choose where to live or what medical care to get. They can’t choose how to spend their money. Some experts say having a guardian is one of the harshest things that can happen to someone, except for going to jail. The document explains a better way called Supported Decision-Making. This means people with disabilities pick trusted friends, family, or helpers. They assist in making their own choices. These helpers explain things in ways the person can understand. They help them think through options. But the person with a disability makes the final choice. Courts and lawyers are starting to see that Supported Decision-Making works better than guardianship. In several court cases, judges have let people use helpers they trust instead of having guardians. States like Texas and Virginia have made new laws to help more people try Supported Decision-Making. Research shows that when people make their own choices, they have better lives. They are more likely to get jobs, live on their own, and stay safe from abuse. But when others make all their choices, people often feel helpless. They may stop trying to do things for themselves. They may lose skills they once had, like managing money or making health choices. The document says that putting someone under guardianship when they could use Supported Decision-Making goes against disability rights laws. These laws say people with disabilities should be able to live as independently as possible. They should be part of their communities. The writers ask the court to use Supported Decision-Making as a legal alternative to guardianship in Texas. They say this would help people with disabilities keep their rights while getting the support they need.

Guide, Information English Older adults, Adults

“My Voice Counts”: A Self Advocates Guide to Supported Decision Making

Content Summary: The guide starts by explaining that SDM lets people work with a team of trusted helpers to make their own choices about their life. Unlike guardianship, where someone else makes decisions for you, SDM keeps you in control of your choices. Your helpers give advice and support, but the final decision stays with you. The guide walks through four main steps to set up SDM. First, you talk with friends and family about wanting to make your own choices with support. Second, you think about what parts of your life you need help with, like money, health, school, or daily tasks. Third, you pick trusted people who will be good helpers. Fourth, you create a written agreement with your support team. The guide shows a real example of how SDM works through Sarah's story. Sarah chose family members and friends to help her with school, health, and money decisions. She made an agreement that spelled out how they would help her. For instance, her mom and friend would go with her to doctor's visits, and her brother would help her understand her benefits. The guide includes helpful tools like a checklist to see if SDM is right for you and sample agreements you can use. It explains that there are many ways to set up SDM since everyone has different needs and situations. The guide ends with a list of places to learn more and get help with SDM. The main message is that people with disabilities can make their own choices with the right support. SDM offers a way to get help with decisions while staying in control of your life. The guide gives practical steps and real examples to help people understand and use SDM.

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