Resource Link

https://disabilityrightswi.org/resource-center/supported-decision-making/#:~:text=The%20Supported%20Decision%2DMaking%20Agreement,communicate%20their%20decisions%20to%20others.

Resource Description

Introduction: This resource explains supported decision-making in Wisconsin. It tells how people with disabilities can pick helpers to support them in making their own choices. The resource includes forms and guides. It suggests more places to learn more about supported decision-making.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: Wisconsin law says that people with disabilities can use supported decision-making. With this system, people pick trusted friends or family as helpers. These helpers can help with making choices about health, housing, jobs, and school. They can help gather information. They can help talk with doctors, teachers, and others. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a form for supported decision-making. This form shows who the helper will be. It also says what the helper can and cannot do. The form helps make sure everyone knows their role. There are many places to learn more about supported decision-making. The Arc Wisconsin can help. So can the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. They have guides that answer common questions about supported decision-making. The guides explain that supported decision-making helps people understand their choices. Helpers can get information from doctors, teachers, and banks. They can help explain this information. But the person with a disability makes the final choice. Anyone can use supported decision-making in Wisconsin. People can change their helpers. They can change the kind of help they want. The information stays private with the person and their helpers. This way is different from guardianship or power of attorney. The guides also talk about keeping people safe from money scams. They explain how supported decision-making works with other legal papers. Some other states also let people use supported decision-making. This resource shows that supported decision-making gives people more control over their lives. They can get help making choices without giving up their rights. Many groups in Wisconsin can help people learn more about this option.