Description: Appropriations bill. Includes funding for DHS to administer and conduct required guardian training (that includes SDM as an alternative to guardianship) as proposed in S.B. 92 & A.B.100.
Status, Senate Bill: Joint Public Hearing held 4/9/2021, in Committee on Finance.
Status, Assembly (House) Bill: Joint Public Hearing held 4/9/2021, in Committee on Tax Exemptions.
2015/2016 Grantee (without NRC-SDM funding): Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (https://wi-bpdd.org/)
Summary of the Program: The Wisconsin grantee convened and worked with a core group of approximately 20 stakeholders to people to identify barriers to greater implementation of Supported Decision-Making in Wisconsin. The workgroup met monthly and was comprised of older adults, people with disabilities, a volunteer guardian, several attorneys, parents of children with developmental disabilities, a self-directed services coordinator for the county, staff from the Department of Public Instruction, a school transition coordinator, and staff from related non-profit advocacy groups. The grantee, working without any funds from the National Resource Center, identified barriers to greater adoption and acceptance of Supported Decision-Making in Wisconsin including: “inherent paternalism and a desire to protect people with disabilities;” “Fear that if people are not under a guardianship, that potentially vulnerable people may be taken advantage of or abused;” “Lack of reliable and responsible circles of support for some people;” and “Lack of awareness of options in legal decision making.” To address these barriers, the grantee presented on Supported Decision-Making at several conferences throughout Wisconsin including presentations to the state WINGS workgroup, aging and disability focused groups, trainings for guardians ad litem, trainings for older-adult focused benefits specialists, The grantee has also begun creating educational and practical Supported Decision-Making material for use by older adults, people with disabilities, family members, and professionals.