Supported Decision-Making
Supported Decision-Making is getting help when you need it, from people you trust, so you can make your own decisions.1
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is also an effective alternative to guardianship. SDM gives people more independence, more dignity, more freedom. Supported Decision-Making gives people with disabilities a voice.
While the details will be different for each person, the steps listed in the "SDM and Guardianship" brochure below can guide you when helping people explore and identify when, where, how and from whom they want support.2
The Golden Rule
When you’re starting Supported Decision-Making, the first and most important thing to do is explore and identify when the person wants support, who the person wants support from, and how the person wants to be supported. That's the Golden Rule of SDM: Support people the way they want to be supported.
Brochures
Find information for yourself, for your family, and for educators in these brochures.
Resources
Resources mentioned in these brochures are listed below.
- Missouri Stoplight Tool
- The Supported Decision-Making Brainstorming Guide
- The Setting the Wheels in Motion Guide
- National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making
Videos about Supported Decision Making
- Introduction and Guide to Supported Decision-Making - a playlist by The Minnesota Department of Human Services
- Exploring Supported Decision-Making - by the Arc of NoVA that explores the basic principles of Supported Decision-Making
- Using Supported Decision-Making: A Step by Step Guide - by UC Davis MIND Institute
We can help!
Wherever you are on your Supported Decision-Making journey, whether you’re just gathering information or you’re ready to write a Supported Decision-Making Agreement, we can answer your questions or connect you with people and organizations that may be able to help.
Contact us
- Nebraska University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
at Munroe-Meyer Institute, Omaha, Neb.
402-559-6483 | website - Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities, Lincoln, Neb.
402-471-2330 | website - Disability Rights Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb.
402-474-3183 | website
Email Brad Meurrens, Public Policy Director
Page References
1. Blanck, P. & Martinis, J. (2015). “The right to make choices”: The national resource center for SDM. Inclusion 3(1), 24-33.
2. National Guardianship Association. (2015). Position statement on guardianship, surrogate decision making, and supported decision making." Retrieved from http://www.guardianship.org/documents/NGA_Policy_Statement_052016.pdf
UCEDD Program: Resources provided by MMI's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) through grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Administration for Community Living which supports people with disabilities living independently and participating fully in their communities. Learn more about the UCEDD at MMI.