Resource Link

https://dbhds.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/When-Do-I-Want-Support-fillable.pdf

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 figure out which areas of life they need support with making decisions. The form was adapted from a guide made by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). The tool uses simple language and checkboxes to make it easy to use. It has ten pages that help people identify where they can make choices on their own, where they need some help, or where they need someone else to decide for them.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: The Supported Decision-Making Discovery Tool explains that everyone needs help with some decisions, not just people with disabilities. Some people ask doctors about health choices or mechanics about cars. When you get help from others to make decisions, that's called Supported Decision-Making. The form uses checkboxes for you to mark if you can do something on your own, with support, or if you need someone else to do it for you. If you check "I can do this with support," you can think about who might help you and what kind of help you want. The tool covers many parts of life where you might need to make choices. It starts with health and personal care. This includes going to the doctor, taking medicine, personal hygiene, and what to eat. The form then asks about friends and partners, like dating, marriage, and who to spend time with. Money decisions are another section. This part asks about getting money information, opening bank accounts, paying bills, and keeping a budget. The form also covers where you live and how you get around in your community. This includes choosing where to live, doing chores, and using transportation. There are sections about school and education, where you make choices about going to school or getting special help. The working section asks about job choices, benefits, accommodations, and talking to employers. The tool includes questions about your rights and safety, like voting and what to do if someone treats you badly. The last section covers how you talk with your supporters. This includes setting up meetings and keeping them updated on how you're doing. The form ends with blank spaces for any other choices or activities you want to include. Each page has three columns to check: "I can do this on my own," "I can do this with support," or "I need someone else to do this for me." Small pictures help show what each option means. This tool helps you create a plan that shows what kinds of decisions you want to make yourself and what kinds of help you might need from others.