Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Supported Decision Making
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Supported Decision Making
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Supported Decision Making
RESOURCE TYPE
Training | Information | Guide
LANGUAGE
English
AUDIENCE
Individuals with disabilities | Caregivers | Family members | Advocates
Resource Description
Introduction: This document is a training resource about Supported Decision-Making (SDM) created by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. It explains how people with disabilities can make their own choices while getting help from trusted supporters.
Resource Summary
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.