Resource Link

https://sdmny.org/resources/supported-decision-making-transition-age-youth/

Resource Description

Introduction: This resource is a set of video stories about Supported Decision-Making (SDM) for young people moving into adulthood. One version is the main video, and the other has an American Sign Language (ASL) translator. The video was made by Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY) and edited by Disability Rights New York.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: When students with disabilities turn 18, they often lose school support services. Many parents are told to seek guardianship over their adult children. But guardianship takes away rights that young adults should have. The video shows how SDM offers a better choice. The video shares stories from young adults and their families who use SDM. Thomas, who is 22, chose to work at Central Park with help from his parents. They used SDM tools instead of guardianship to support his choice. Andrew, who is also 22, talked about how SDM helped him find a job. Emma, who is 19, shared what she learned from working with SDMNY. Justin, who is 21, told the story of planning his birthday trip to Las Vegas with help from his supporters. The video shows how SDM helps both young adults and their families. Justin's mother, Larissa, felt touched when her son chose her as a supporter. Katrina, who is 25, used an SDM agreement to follow her dream of becoming a special education teacher. She now speaks up for other students with disabilities to make their own choices. Dr. Francis Tabone explains in the video how SDM gives structure to help students face life's challenges. The video shows how the Cooke School works with SDMNY to teach students about SDM. SDMNY believes SDM can help young adults live on their own and make their own choices. The video includes a group talk with three young adults. They speak about why getting help with decisions matters to them. This talk was led by Amber from SDMNY. Throughout the video, we see how SDM helps young people take charge of their lives while still getting support when they need it.