What kind of support do I want? Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool
What kind of support do I want? Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool
What kind of support do I want? Supported Decision Making Discovery Tool
RESOURCE TYPE
Tool/form | Guide
LANGUAGE
English | Spanish
AUDIENCE
Individuals with disabilities | Caregivers | Family members
Resource Description
Introduction: This document is a tool from the Commonwealth of Virginia called the "Supported Decision-Making Discovery Tool." It helps people with disabilities think about the kinds of support they want when making choices. The form was adapted from a guide made by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The tool uses simple language, checkboxes, and pictures to make it easy to use. It has three pages that help people explore different ways they might want help with making decisions.
Resource Summary
Content Summary: The Supported Decision-Making Discovery Tool helps you think about how you want others to help you make choices. The first page explains that support can look different for each person and each choice. You use checkboxes to mark the kinds of help you might want. The tool lists many types of support spread across the first two pages. You can check if you want help filling out forms or writing. You can ask for information in simple words or pictures. You might want to talk with supporters about your choices or get their advice. The form includes options for doing research, talking to experts, or taking time to think. On the second page, there are more choices. You can ask for help making lists of good and bad points about each choice. Your supporters can remind you about what matters most to you. They can help you try different options to see what you like best. You might want help talking to others about your choice or using phones or computers to share your decision. The form also includes getting reminders about important dates, having supporters come with you to meetings, or taking classes to learn more. The third page has blank spaces. One section is for writing down other ways you like to be supported that weren't on the lists. The other section is for noting ways you do NOT want people to help you. This lets you make clear what kind of help feels right for you and what doesn't. All pages include pictures that show what each type of support looks like. The tool uses these images to help you understand each option better. With this form, you can create a plan that fits your needs and helps others know how to support you in ways that work best for you.