We will be awarding grants for state-based projects that adopt an innovative approach to increase knowledge of and access to Supported Decision-Making by older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the life course.
For details, please see the attached funding announcement. The application deadline is September 15, 2016.
The National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making (NRC-SDM) is pleased to announce its State Grant Program. The Program will award grants for state-based projects that:
(1) Adopt an innovative approach to increase knowledge of and access to Supported Decision-Making by older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across the life course;
(2) Collect and disseminate information to document the positive impacts of Supported Decision-Making in their state and, at least annually, issue a report documenting success stories, challenges and, any system changes that have been made to increase the understanding and use of Supported DecisionMaking.
Over the past two decades, research has demonstrated a direct relationship between the self-determination of older adults and people with I/DD and their overall quality of life. The evidence shows that those who exercise greater self-determination are better problem-solvers, more independent, more likely to be employed at higher-paying jobs and less likely to be abused (Khemka, Hickson, & Reynolds, 2005; Wehmeyer, Kelchner, & Reynolds, 1996; Wehmeyer & Schwartz, 1998). One method designed to increase and maximize self-determination is Supported Decision-Making – which focuses on providing people with the help they need and want to understand the situations and choices they face, so they may make their own decisions consistent with their goals, wishes and desires. (Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, 2014; Blanck, 2014).
Funded by a grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), NRC-SDM documents and disseminates successful Supported Decision-Making practices; conducts research to fill data and information gaps; develops training materials and provides technical assistance to ACL networks on Supported Decision-Making issues, including youth transition; develops strategy that measures and demonstrates the impact of Supported Decision-Making on the lives of people with I/DD and older Americans; and designs and commences implementation of this State Grant Program. The intent of these projects is to collaborate with aging and disability communities, networks, researchers, professionals, and providers to examine and reform policy and practice as needed to make Supported Decision-Making an alternative to guardianship and increase self-determination.
Up to 6 (six) projects may be funded through this application process. The purpose of the small grants is to stimulate innovative Supported Decision-Making practices the can be replicated around the country. Each project funded by this program will become a part of NRC-SDM’s Community of Practice and receive logistical, organizational, technical, and other necessary and appropriate support from the NRC-SDM. The resources, research, best practices, and tools that are developed from these projects will be incorporated into NRC-SDM.