Understanding Supported Decision-Making
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) refers to the idea that a person has the right to make decisions to the full extent of their capacity, even as they get needed support. In Rhode Island, a person has a legal right to appoint a person or persons to help them make decisions.
An Alternative to Guardianship
It can be hard making decisions alone, whether or not you have a disability. These choices could be about where to live, where to work, how to spend your time during the day, how to spend your money, medicine, doctor’s visits, or other things. Everyone is different. The way you get support might be right for you but wrong for someone else.
In Rhode Island, there is a procedure for an individual with a disability to designate one or more persons to assist with making important life decisions. Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is an alternative to guardianship and provides a person the ability to retain their decision-making rights while receiving supports to make decisions.
Our Purpose
The Regional Resource Center at Sargent Center helps individuals and families understand their options to make an informed choice about Supported Decision-Making that meets their own personal needs.
A Good Place to Start
One of the best ways to start exploring decision making supports is by using the You Decide Tool Book. This tool book will explain what Supportive Decision-Making (SDM) is, and how it can support their personal decisions.
Resources
Supported Decision-Making Agreement Form
You Decide Tool Book – English
You Decide Tool Book – Spanish
Alzheimer’s Association
Charting the LifeCourse Nexus
National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making
The Arc of the United States
The Arc Center for Future Planning
Get Help
Call us at (401) 886-6600
The RI Center for Supported Decision-Making is funded in part by a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation.