Resource Link

https://ncapps.acl.gov/Past-Webinar/2022-06-21.html

Resource Description

Introduction: This resource is a webinar. It is about person-centered care and how people with disabilities can make choices in their own lives. Too often, people with disabilities have guardians that make choices for them. Guardians might not make choices that honor autonomy. They might worry about protection and lose sight of the person’s needs and wants.

Resource Summary

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.