Resource Link

https://www.aclu.org/documents/when-do-i-want-support-supported-decision-making-self-assessment-tool

Resource Description

Introduction: This document is a guide that explains supported decision-making. It is for people with disabilities and their families. It shows people with disabilities how they can make their own choices while getting help from trusted people in their lives. The guide uses simple words and explains things step by step to make it easy to understand.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: The guide teaches that supported decision-making lets people with disabilities stay in control of their lives. They do this while getting help from others. The person with a disability is called the "decider" and picks trusted helpers called "supporters." The supporters might be family, friends, or staff members who agree to help. These supporters help the decider make choices and share their thoughts. But the decider makes the final choice. The guide walks through how to think about the kinds of help. It explains that people might want help with different things. This could be choosing where to live, managing money, making health choices, or relationships. For each area, the decider can choose if they want to handle things alone, get some help, or have someone else take care of it. The guide shows how to pick good supporters and talk to them about helping. It says supporters should be trustworthy and willing to help. It gives tips for meeting with supporters to talk about how to help best. The decider can ask different people to help with different things. There's a special form called a supported decision-making agreement that makes things official. The guide explains how to fill out this form, which lists who the supporters are and what they'll help with. Everyone signs the form together with a notary or witnesses watching. The agreement can be changed any time the decider wants. The guide comes with extra forms that might be needed, like forms to let supporters see medical records or school information. It also lists places to learn more about supported decision-making and people to contact with questions. Throughout the guide, there are activities and worksheets to help people think through their choices. These help the decider figure out what areas they want help with and how they want that help to work. The guide makes clear that supported decision-making is different for each person, and it's okay to take time to figure out what works best.