Support with Decision Making- Tools and Resources
Jennie Heidrick | Rooted in Care Consulting, LLC
Support with Decision Making
We all get support with making decisions, both big and small. Someone buying their first car might ask a family friend for advice. Someone deciding where to go to dinner might look up restaurants on their phone while talking with their partner.
Supported decision making (SDM) can look like many different things. It can include writing out a Pros/Cons list with an older sibling or parent to make decision about an upcoming vacation. It might look like using SDM tools when meeting with a Services Coordinator or Personal Agent to explore accessible housing options.
Supported decision making (SDM) is all about people making their own choices with support. This support comes from trusted supporters like friends, family, or professionals that the person chooses to plan with. These supporters help the person understand their options and communicate their decisions.
Making decisions is a big part of the Individual Support Planning (ISP) process. This is why SDM is important to so many people. SDM focuses on what works best for the person to make informed decisions.
Sometimes, ISP teams can focus more on negative outcomes. Understanding positive outcomes is just as important. Take, for example, a young person who wants to learn to drive. We might immediately think of risks such as getting in a car accident. Driving can also lead to positive things, such as more independence, more opportunities or even fun road trips. Recognizing the positive outcomes is also part of making an informed decision.
Think about making decisions in your life. What helps you make decisions?
- Do you need time to think about options?
- Do you prefer written information or pictures?
- Would you rather talk about options with someone your trust?
- Who do you want to talk to? Who do you trust for help with making decisions?
Are their paid supporters who you included? This could be a doctor, case manager, or others.
Learn more about Supported Decision Making
It can be helpful to hear from people who are already using SDM. The videos below are from advocates, sharing about their experiences:
- Elsie and Jennie– Example from an elementary school student
- Kimberly– Example from a young adult
- Ruby’s Father– Example from the family of a youth
- Kaaren– Example of someone using SDM to make medical decisions
There are also helpful websites that offer SDM resources and tools:
The Arc Oregon- Supported Decision Making Webpage: This page offers a resources and information SDM. This includes downloadable one-page resources about SDM, available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese.
LifeCourse Nexus- Supported Decision-Making Tools and Examples: This webpage offers tools for planning and exploring in the area of decision making. It offers several tools, and well and downloadable examples of SDM agreements. Resources are available in both Spanish and English
Oregon Department of Human Services- Supported Decision-Making: This webpage offers several resources, including flyers about SDM for both people and families and a link to the Employment First Podcast episode about Supported Decision Making.
ACLU: How to Make a SDM agreement: At this webpage you can download “How to Make a Supported Decision-Making Agreement: A Guide for People with Disabilities”
National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making: This website focuses on SDM across the United States. It provides resources, tools, stories, newsletters, webinars and state level information.