Supported Decision-Making

Definition

Supported decision-making is a process that allows individuals with disabilities to make their own choices and decisions with the help of trusted supporters. This approach emphasizes the importance of self-determination, empowering individuals to express their preferences while receiving assistance in understanding options, evaluating information, and making informed choices. It highlights the value of personal relationships in fostering independence and encourages people to take an active role in their lives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supported decision-making allows individuals to retain their legal rights while ensuring they have the support needed to make meaningful choices.
2. This approach can enhance a person's quality of life by promoting autonomy, confidence, and self-esteem.
3. Supporters can include family members, friends, or professionals who assist individuals in navigating decisions relevant to health care, finances, or daily living.
4. Research shows that supported decision-making is more effective than guardianship in helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence.
5. Policies and practices promoting supported decision-making are increasingly recognized as essential for compliance with disability rights laws.

Review Questions

• How does supported decision-making empower individuals with disabilities compared to traditional models of decision-making?
  • Supported decision-making empowers individuals by allowing them to maintain control over their choices while receiving necessary assistance. Unlike traditional models that may remove decision-making authority from the individual through guardianship, supported decision-making fosters self-determination and independence. This model respects personal autonomy and involves trusted supporters who help the individual understand their options and consequences, ultimately enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.
• What role do supporters play in the supported decision-making process for individuals with disabilities?
  • Supporters play a crucial role in the supported decision-making process by assisting individuals in understanding various choices and evaluating the information available. They help clarify options, provide emotional support, and encourage individuals to express their preferences. This collaborative approach not only enhances the individual's ability to make informed decisions but also builds confidence and fosters independence, ensuring that the individual's voice remains central to the decision-making process.
• Evaluate the impact of supported decision-making on the lives of individuals with disabilities and how it aligns with contemporary views on autonomy and rights.
  • Supported decision-making significantly impacts the lives of individuals with disabilities by reinforcing their autonomy and promoting a sense of agency. This model aligns with contemporary views on human rights, emphasizing that every person has the right to make choices about their own life. By fostering self-determination and actively involving individuals in their decisions, supported decision-making challenges traditional notions of dependency, leading to improved quality of life outcomes and greater societal inclusion for people with disabilities.

Related terms

Self-Determination: The right and ability of individuals to control their own lives, make choices, and set goals based on their preferences.

Advocacy: The act of supporting or representing an individual or group in order to promote their rights and interests.

Informed Consent: The process of providing an individual with adequate information about a decision so they can understand the potential outcomes and agree to it voluntarily.