Supported Decision Making

Supported Decision-Making

This page offers individuals and their families information on what to consider when determining how much help they may need in making choices and decisions after turning 18 years old. A guardianship is not the only option if someone needs help making life decisions. There is a continuum of supports available. This includes a fairly new approach called supported decision-making. The links below provide more detail on these options. These resources will assist you in making an informed decision.  The important thing to know is that people can and do learn to make life choices on their own.

By now, you have noticed that there are many decisions you must make when planning for your future. Having a voice in all matters of life is vital to your self-esteem and motivation. Supported decision-making (SDM) means you are still in charge of your own life and have options. You can either choose to make the decision yourself or make that decision with the help of a trusted team. Either way, you still have rights.  

Your trusted team can assist you in determining the pros and cons when exploring options and making judgments. However, in supported decision-making, you decide who will be involved in providing that support. The supporters you choose must agree to provide guidance and support, and not to make the decisions unless requested to do so. This can include decisions on your finances, healthcare, education, employment, and housing.  

Be sure to check out the resources for individuals and families you will find on this page.  

You can also contact us at: CCLC@iu.edu  or call (812) 855-6508

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Definitions to Know 

Supported Decision Making (SDM): SDM is an alternative to guardianship that should be considered as the first option of support. Supported decision making allows a person with a disability to keep their rights and make their own decisions with the help of trusted people. Trusted people, such as friends, family, or professionals help the person understand, make, and communicate their choices. Supported decision making can be informal or formal, depending on whether there is a written agreement or not.    

Guardianship: Guardianship is the most restrictive option of support, is a legal process that gives someone else the authority to make decisions for a person with a disability. Guardianship can be full or partial, depending on how much decision-making power the guardian has. Guardianship can affect the person’s right to choose where to live, work, receive medical care, marry and more.    

Guardianship can affect an individual's right to vote in many states. However, Indiana does permit individuals under guardianship to vote.  

Power of Attorney (POA): POA is a legal document that gives one or more individuals (person or non-profit) the power to act for another person. The designated person(s) can make decisions about the individual’s property, finances, or medical care. There are several types of POAs, such as durable, general, limited, medical, parental, real estate, revocation, state tax, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An individual may assign POA responsibility to more than one individual.

Healthcare Representative: A healthcare representative is a person chosen by an individual that assists in making healthcare decisions in the event the individual cannot make them on their own. These decisions include agreeing to, stopping, or refusing medical treatment. The healthcare representative responsibility should only be given to someone the individual trusts to ensure their wishes are followed.   

Dignity of Risk: Dignity of risk means being able to make a choice, even if that choice could result in negative consequences. Even if the experience turns out badly, dignity of risk allows an individual to learn from their mistake and try again. 

Resources

More Answers to Your Questions 

If you have more questions about supported decision-making or even if you’d just like to listen in on the discussion, we offer time every week when individuals, family members, teachers, employment providers, or community resource specialists can call in to talk solutions or suggestions for their questions or concerns related to transition planning.  

Visit our Comprehensive Transition Open Office Hours every Thursday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. EST: Connect with Zoom