Disability Rights Arizona wants people with disabilities and their families to be informed of the various options and alternatives to guardianship. Guardianship is the most restrictive option, and should be considered the last resort when other less restrictive options will not work. This page explains alternatives to guardianship that allow people with disabilities to live more self-determined lives.
Disability Rights Arizona wants people with disabilities and their families to be informed of the various options and alternatives to guardianship. Guardianship is the most restrictive option, and should be considered the last resort when other less restrictive options will not work. This page explains alternatives to guardianship that allow people with disabilities to live more self-determined lives.
Supported Decision-Making is gaining momentum nationally and internationally. Arizona is the 21st state to pass Supported Decision-Making and more people are forming agreements to support people with disabilities in self-determined decision making.
Disability Rights Arizona believes all people with disabilities should be given every opportunity to live self-directed lives. We’re excited to see what other states and organizations are doing to advance less-restrictive alternatives for people with disabilities and we’ll share stories and the latest news, information, updates, and training about Supported Decision-Making and other alternatives and complements here.
Are you interested in learning more about Supported Decision-Making? Do you know of someone who could benefit from a Supported Decision-Making agreement? Are you and your supporters ready to put a Supported Decision-Making agreement together? Check out this FAQ on Supported Decision-Making.
Additional information about supported decision-making and other alternatives and complements are available below:
Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship. It allows an individual to form a team of supporters to assist them in different areas of their lives, such as making healthcare, education, or financial decisions. Supported decision-making allows the individual to be in control of their lives with the help of supporters.
The individual will identify areas they need assistance with, supporters who can assist in those areas, and the types of support they will need. For example, John Smith is an individual who wants to try out supported decision-making. John wants to take photography classes but doesn’t know how to get started. John’s friend Sara is a photographer. John asks Sara to be his supporter and to help him get the necessary information to sign up for classes.
The main benefit of supported decision-making is that the individual retains their rights to make important decisions about their lives. The individual is in control. Supported decision-making also lets individuals develop decision-making skills, building confidence to become better self-advocates.
An individual can get support in all areas of their lives. Some of the major areas can include healthcare, personal finance, education, voting, and applying for public assistance.
Supporters should be individuals who have some knowledge in the areas you need support in or you can also choose supporters if they know where to get the information for in the areas where you need support. You should choose supporters who you trust because they may come across personal information such as your healthcare information.
Supporters can assist the individual in different areas of their lives. They can support by obtaining information, communicating the individual’s wishes to professionals, and help you understand the information that is being discussed. For example, at a doctor’s office, a supporter can help you ask important questions you want answered and can help explain the doctor’s responses to you. Supporters must not convey a personal bias or opinion when supporting you.
Absolutely. You can have as many supporters as you need, and it is often recommended that you do so because providing support can involve lots of work and having more supporters can reduce the burden. Some people may pick one supporter for health care and another for education.
A power of attorney is a legal arrangement where the individual appoints an agent to make decisions for the individual. Those decisions are generally legally binding. With supported decision-making, the individual is in charge and is making the decisions.
Yes. You or your supporter can terminate a supported decision-making agreement at any time. Make sure to tell your supporter, usually in writing, that you no longer need their support.
If you are under guardianship, you need permission from your guardian to use a supported decision-making agreement. These agreements are very helpful in building decision-making skills and will help build confidence in future decision-making.
You can find more information about supported decision-making by visiting the Disability Rights Arizona resources available on this page or The Arc of Arizona. Stay tuned to our social media for announcements on upcoming training opportunities.
We are committed in providing accurate disability-related legal information and advice to more individuals who need our services and assistance. In addition to limited legal representation, our goal is to provide efficient, streamlined services to educate people with disabilities and their family members on how to enforce their legal rights through self advocacy.
