Disability Resources

Supported Decision-Making is a process that we all use to make choices in our lives. Everyone needs help making decisions every day. If someone we want services from uses a specialized term for their business or procedures, it would be very hard to understand, almost like a foreign language. For example, a car mechanic telling you about an “OEM part” or the “catalytic converter,” or a doctor recommending a “CAT Scan.” So, we ask for help from friends, family members, advocates, and any other trusted person to help us understand. Once we get the information about what’s going on and what we need to do, we can make a good decision. This is Supported Decision-Making.

Supported Decision-Making can be formalized in an agreement where you detail all the areas in your life that you would like support in making your decisions. In the agreement, you can say who you want to support you in each area, and how you do and do not want to be supported. For example, you might want to make your uncle your supporter for deciding where to live. You could state that your uncle will help you make a list of things you want in an apartment, find a realtor, visit apartments with you, and help you set up automatic payments for rent. You could also state that you don’t want your uncle to talk to your landlord without you.

We all have some trouble making decisions. You have the right to make choices.  You can ask for support to make your decisions. This means that you will be making the decision, not someone making the decisions for you or instead of you. The person or persons that will support you are chosen by you. The supporters can help you make informed decisions in the following ways:

• Collecting and communicating with you about information that is related to a decision;
• Helping you understand and explore your options;
• Explaining the risks and benefits of options;
• Giving guidance and recommendations; and
• Assisting you in communicating and carrying out the decision.

Ultimately, the final decision is left up to you. A Supported Decision-Making Agreement can be written out and signed by all parties, but a signed writing is not required.

In Florida, at least one court has found that Supported Decision-Making agreements are a powerful alternative to guardianship. Listen to our client Michael Lincoln-McCreight’s story of how, with the help of Disability Rights Florida, he was able to end his guardianship and enter a Supported Decision-Making Agreement that allowed him to keep all his rights.

If you think a Supported Decision-Making agreement sounds right for you, contact Disability Rights Florida at 800-342-0823.