Resource Link

https://www.disabilityrightsnebraska.org/what-we-do/supported-decision-making/brochures---supported-decision-making.html

Resource Description

Introduction These documents are guides about Supported Decision-Making (SDM) created by the Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities. They help people with disabilities make their own choices instead of having a guardian make all decisions for them. The guides cover different areas of life like money management, health care, school programs, and daily living. They are written for people with disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making means getting help from people you trust to make your own decisions. This is different from guardianship, where a judge takes away your right to choose and gives that power to someone else. Everyone uses some form of supported decision-making when they ask friends for advice or talk to experts before making big choices. The guides explain that people with disabilities should have the chance to make their own decisions with support. Research shows that when people with disabilities have more control over their lives, they do better. They are more likely to work, live on their own, and be safe and healthy. For money management, the guides show how to track income and expenses. They explain how to make budgets and decide between things you need and things you want. People can work with trusted supporters to understand their benefits like SSI or Medicaid. The guides also cover ABLE accounts, which let people save money without losing their benefits. In health care, supporters can help explain symptoms to doctors and understand treatment options. They can help ask questions and make sure the person understands what the doctor says. The person still makes the final choice about their care. For students in special education, the guides explain how to request evaluations and create goals that build decision-making skills. Students can lead their own IEP meetings and work with teams to plan for life after school. This includes preparing for college, jobs, and living independently. The guides give step-by-step advice for creating a supported decision-making plan. First, people identify areas where they want help. Then they choose supporters like family, friends, or professionals. Next, they decide how they want to be supported. Finally, they can write agreements that explain their support network. These agreements can protect people from unnecessary guardianship. Nebraska law says guardianship should only happen if it is the least restrictive option. Having a supported decision-making agreement shows there is a better alternative. The guides emphasize that supported decision-making looks different for each person. Some people need more help than others. Some want support with money but not health care. The key is that the person chooses their supporters and decides how they want help. The documents provide contact information for organizations that can help people learn about and use supported decision-making. These include disability rights groups, vocational rehabilitation services, and independent living centers. The guides stress that many people with disabilities can make their own decisions when they have the right support, and this leads to better, more independent lives.