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