Resource Link

https://disabilityvoicesunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SDM-Handbook_Aug2024_1.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This document is a handbook that helps parents of adult children with developmental disabilities in California. The handbook explains how parents can help their adult children make decisions about their lives without needing to go through courts or get conservatorship. It was created by Disability Voices United, a group run by and for people with disabilities and their families.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: The handbook explains a way called "supported decision-making" that lets adults with disabilities make their own choices with help from people they trust. Instead of having courts take away their rights through conservatorship, supported decision-making lets people pick family, friends, or others to help them understand and make decisions. These helpers can assist with things like medical care, money, education, and daily life choices. The handbook shows why this approach is better than conservatorship, which can be expensive and risky. With conservatorship, courts can take away rights and even remove parents as decision-makers. The handbook explains that supported decision-making gives more freedom while still protecting people with disabilities. It lets them learn and grow while keeping trusted people involved in their lives. The document includes many helpful tools and forms that families can use. These forms help set up supported decision-making arrangements for healthcare, money, school, and other areas. The handbook also has tips for working with doctors, teachers, and others who help people with disabilities. The guide explains supported decision-making in simple terms with real examples. It has steps for getting started and advice for common situations. At the end, there are two handouts - one that explains supported decision-making to professionals, and one with tips for healthcare providers. The overall message is that adults with disabilities can and should make their own choices, with help from people they trust. The handbook gives families practical ways to support their loved ones' independence without going through courts. It shows how to protect and empower adults with disabilities while keeping family involved in their lives.