The Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, the Burton Blatt Institute, and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network present a three-part webinar series on supported decision making. Supported decision-making (SDM) is an effective, less restrictive alternative to guardianship that uses trusted friends, family members and advocates to give people with disabilities the help they need and want to understand the situations they face and the choices they must make, so they can make their own decisions.
March 26th, 1-2:30 PM Lessons Learned from the Canadian Experience: Supported Decision-Making Models
On March 26, 2014 a panel of experts from Canada will share lessons learned from using SDM to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities make their own decisions and order their own lives to the maximum of their capabilities.
April 2, 1-2:30 PM Introduction to Supported Decision-Making
Jenny Hatch, her attorney and her supporter will discuss the “Justice for Jenny” case, the differences between SDM and guardianship and how SDM has worked for her. Presentations will focus on the contrasts between Jenny’s quality of life now as opposed to when she was under a guardianship and the practical and precedential importance of Jenny’s case for others who wish to avoid or be freed from overbroad or undue guardianship.
May 22, 1-2:30 PM Supported Decision-Making: The Next Level of Policy Development
What are the implications of the Jenny Hatch decision for future Olmstead litigation and settlement agreements? Should SDM and the development of decision-making capacity be a part of Special Education transition planning? Should guardianship laws be changed to identify or embrace SDM as a less restrictive option? A panel of experts will discuss policy development options to accelerate systems change at a local, state, and federal level.
Registration is free but required: https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bd8hzBxQIilz48Z
Collection Spotlight from the National Rehabilitation Information Center 