Resource Link

https://www.csueastbay.edu/cdjr/supported-decision-making-introduction-for-professionals.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This document is a guide that explains Supported Decision Making (SDM) to professionals who work with people with disabilities. The guide was created in 2024 by several organizations in California that work on disability rights. It helps professionals understand what SDM is and how to use it in their work.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: SDM helps people with disabilities make their own choices with support from others. Instead of having someone else make decisions for them through conservatorship, SDM lets people stay in control of their own lives. People who might use SDM include those with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or dementia. California made SDM legal in September 2022. This gives people with disabilities a clear way to get help with decisions while keeping their rights. With SDM, people can get support to make choices about their health, where they live, their money, their jobs, their education, and their relationships. To use SDM, a person creates an agreement that says who they want help from and what kinds of help they need. They sign this agreement with their supporters, and they need either two witnesses or a notary to make it official. Professionals must let supporters come to meetings when the person with a disability wants them there. This includes all kinds of meetings, like medical appointments, school meetings, or talks with banks. The person can ask for supporters using words, gestures, or any other way they communicate. Professionals can only stop supporters from being at meetings if they think the supporters are hurting or taking advantage of the person. The law says that letting someone use SDM might be required as a reasonable accommodation. People using SDM can also have other legal papers, like powers of attorney, but they don't need these for SDM to work. For professionals who want to learn more, there will be online training and a big meeting in California. They can also find more information on the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities website. This guide helps make sure professionals know how to respect and support people who use SDM to make their own choices.