Autistic Self Advocacy Network Supported Decision-Making Model Legislature
Autistic Self Advocacy Network Supported Decision-Making Model Legislature
Autistic Self Advocacy Network Supported Decision-Making Model Legislature
RESOURCE TYPE
Tool/form | Guide | Information
LANGUAGE
English
AUDIENCE
Individuals with disabilities | Lawyers | Mental health providers | Caregivers | Regional center coordinators or staff | Policymakers | Advocates | Family members | Social workers
Resource Description
Introduction: This document is a template that states can use to create laws about supported decision-making. Supported decision-making lets adults with disabilities get help making choices while staying in control of their own lives. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Quality Trust worked together to create this template.
Resource Summary
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.