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Supported decision making (SDM) allows people with disabilities to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people. People with disabilities choose people they know and trust to be part of a support network to help with decision-making.
Supported decision making is an alternative to guardianship. Guardians make decisions for the person with a disability. However, supported decision-making allows the person with the disability to make his or her own decisions instead of having someone else make them for him or her.
Supported decision making promotes self-determination, control, and autonomy. It fosters independence.
People with disabilities may need assistance making decisions about living arrangements, health care, relationships, and financial matters. But they do not necessarily need a guardian to make those decisions for them. A trusted network of supporters can field questions and review options to help the person with the disability make their own decisions. Supporters are selected by the person with the disability. They can be family members, co-workers, friends, and past or present providers. The individual should select supporters who know and respect his or her will and preferences, and who will honor the choices and decisions the individual makes.
View the Supported Decision Making Agreement Form
For SDM, but not commitment:
To seek help, contact:
For help with commitment and SDM:
For commitment only (but not SDM):
For SDM, but not commitment: