Resource Link

https://dcps.dc.gov/page/supported-decision-making

Resource Description

Introduction: The District of Columbia Public Schools has a program that helps students with disabilities make their own choices. When students turn 18, they get the right to make their own school choices. This program helps them make choices while getting help from people they trust, called supported decision-making.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: Supported Decision-Making lets students stay in charge of their own lives. It works by having students pick trusted helpers. These helpers might be parents, family members, or other adults they trust. The helpers explain things to students and help them think about their choices. This way of getting help is different from guardianship. With guardianship, someone else makes choices for the student. With Supported Decision-Making, the student makes their own choices. To start using Supported Decision-Making, students fill out a form. On this form, they write down who their helpers will be. They also write what kind of help they want. The school keeps this form in their records. Students can also give someone Power of Attorney. This means they pick someone to help with money or health care if they can't do it themselves. If a student does this, they should tell their school. Parents can still be part of their child's schooling in some ways. If parents claim their child on their taxes, they can see school records. But they need their child's okay to join meetings or help make choices. This program helps students learn to make good choices as they become adults. They can practice making choices while people they trust help them. This helps students feel more sure about making choices on their own. The program finds a good balance. It lets students be more on their own while still getting help when they need it. This helps students grow and learn while staying safe. Students with disabilities can use this program to get ready for adult life. They learn how to think about choices and pick what's best for them. They also learn when and how to ask for help.