Resource Link

https://peatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SDM-and-SPED-Transition-Services-508-compliant.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This guide explains how schools can help students with disabilities learn to make their own choices as they become adults. It was made by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) to show how Supported Decision-Making (SDM) can work with special education services to help students be more independent.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: When students use SDM, they pick people they trust to help them understand choices and make decisions. These helpers could be family, friends, or teachers. Unlike guardianship where someone else makes all the choices, the student stays in control with SDM. For example, Jenny Hatch, who has Down syndrome, showed how SDM works better than guardianship for many people. Research shows that when people with disabilities can make their own choices, they often do better in life. They are more likely to get jobs, live on their own, and be part of their community. Learning these skills while still in school helps students do better both in school and after they graduate. Schools must help students with disabilities get ready for adult life. This help is called transition services. These services should match what the student wants to do after high school, like go to college, get a job, or live on their own. The services should include real-life practice and teach useful skills. Many times, parents are told they need guardianship when their child turns 18. But SDM can be a better choice. During school meetings about the student's special education plan (called IEP meetings), the team can help the student learn to make choices. They can write goals that let the student take charge, like "I will work with my counselor to find jobs I like." When students turn 18, they have the legal right to make their own choices. With SDM, they can still get help from parents and others, but they stay in control. They can write down who they want help from and what kind of help they want. This is called an SDM Agreement. This way, students get the support they need while learning to be more independent.