Disability Resources

Concepts of Self

Disability Rights Florida (DRF) and our staff are proponents of Supported Decision Making (SDM). Supported Decision-Making is an alternative to guardianship which allows persons with disabilities to better understand, consider, and communicate decisions that impact their lives. (CARD, 2018)

The Texas Legislature in 2015 defined Supported Decision-Making in statute as: “A process of supporting and accommodating an adult with a disability to enable the adult to make life decisions, including decisions related to where the adult wants to live, the services, supports, and medical care the adult wants to receive, whom the adult wants to live with, and where the adult wants to work, without impeding the self-determination of the adult.” Tex. Est. Code §§ 1357.002(3); 1357.003

The following information is being provided to inform Floridians of the important concepts of Self-Determination, Informed Choice, Person-Centered Planning and one’s Circle of Support as these underlying principles are so important for successful Supported Decision-Making. Disability Rights Florida believes the understanding and implementation of these philosophies and practices will provide individuals with disabilities more successful outcomes and the best opportunity for personal control over those decisions impacting their life.

Related Topics

Self-Determination

Self-Determination is a philosophy referring to the right for ALL persons to determine their own economic, social and, cultural development. Often, people with disabilities face limitations on their choices about where to live, who to live with, and how to spend their time and money. Having the right, the opportunity, and the power to make meaningful choices are key to self-determination. Self-Determination means to define ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. To achieve self-determination, people with disabilities MUST have ownership over their lives. (FDDC Publication, 2010)

Informed Choice

The definition of Informed Choice offered by Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) in its Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan is, "Informed Choice results from a rational and systematic decision-making process that occurs in a context that is free from duress and coercion and that is characterized by:

  • identification of available alternatives or options;
  • identification of the consequences (both favorable and unfavorable) of pursuing each alternative or option;
  • selecting an alternative option after weighing and deliberating each one and its consequences in terms of a personal scale of values; and
  • commitment and action to pursue the selected alternative or option."

Individuals with disabilities - like all individuals in society - need to make informed choices about decisions that impact their lives. Real choice is about being able to choose from the same wide variety of lifestyles, goals, and preferences that others have. Even if someone receives Supported Decision-Making assistance, that person must have the final say over the decisions that are made, and they must ultimately be allowed to face the consequences of their decisions. Individuals with disabilities should be able to fully experience the dignity of risk.

Person-Centered Planning

Person-Centered Planning is based on the values of human rights, independence, choice, and social inclusion, and is designed to enable people to direct their own services and supports. A person-centered approach to planning means planning is done by and with the individual. The planning process must be geared to the individual’s desires and personal wishes. (FDDC Publication, 2012)

Circle of Support

The diagnosis of a disability does not automatically mean that a person needs formal decision-making assistance. We all rely on informal decision-making assistance from family, friends, co-workers, and others when we make our own decisions. The people you value in your life that help you to achieve your goals and dreams are your Circle of Support. It is important for families and professionals to work together to provide the right balance between protection and support. Remember, decision making is a learned skill, people with disabilities need opportunity, experience, and support to learn to make well-informed decisions. (Miller, 2016)

References

Supported Decision Making Links

These links are provided as a service for guests to our site and do not serve as an implicit nor an explicit endorsement of that agency/organization and/or the content of that site.