Resource Link

https://dbhds.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Relationship-Map-Supplemental-Document-Fillable.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This document is a tool from the Commonwealth of Virginia called "Who do I want to be my Supporters?" It is part of the Supported Decision-Making Discovery Tool. This form helps people with disabilities identify who they want to support them in making decisions and how to ask those people to be their Supporters. The document is three pages long. It explains how to choose Supporters, what to think about before asking someone, how to have that conversation, and includes a letter template to use when asking someone to be a Supporter.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: The document starts by explaining what Supported Decision-Making Agreements are. You are the Decision Maker, and the people you choose to help you are your Supporters. You can pick just one person or many people to be your Supporters. Some might help you with just one area of your life, while others might help with many areas. It's your choice. The form asks you to look at your "Relationship Map" and "When Do I Want Support?" tools to help you figure out who to choose as your Supporters. It guides you through three key questions. First, what decisions do you need help with? Second, what skills and knowledge does someone need to help you? Third, who in your life has these skills and also makes you feel comfortable? The second page talks about how to ask someone to be your Supporter. It says it's normal to feel nervous about asking. The form gives you tips on what to think about before you ask, like what you want help with and how often you'll need help. You can ask someone by writing a letter, sending an email, or talking in person or on the phone. The document suggests explaining what a Supported Decision-Making Agreement is, what Supporters do, and exactly how you want them to help you. There are also tips for helpful tools to share with potential Supporters. You can give them a copy of the "Frequently Asked Questions" about Supported Decision-Making, links to the DBHDS website for more information, or a copy of your "What Kind of Support Do I Want?" discovery tool. The third page has a letter template called "Will You Be My Supporter?" You can use this to write to people you want as Supporters. The letter explains that a Supported Decision-Making Agreement shows who you want to help you, what areas you want help with, and how you want to be helped. It makes clear that you keep all your rights and make the final decisions. The template has spaces for you to fill in the life areas where you want help, the specific things you want help with, and how you like to be helped. It ends by asking the person to meet with you to fill out and sign your Supported Decision-Making Agreement.