Supported Decision-Making and The Role Of Siblings Presentation

Conference presentation presented June 22, 2019  by Tina Campanella, CEO, Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, in St. Paul, Minnesota at the Sibling Leadership Network Conference “Here. Together.”

Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is quickly becoming a preferred way of supporting adults with all types of disabilities to make decisions and retain control in their lives. Unlike guardianship, SDM provides whatever assistance people may need to make decisions in their lives without placing any limitations on their rights. The assistance needed is most often provide by family and close friends who are selected by the person because of the trusting relationships they have developed. This presentation will outline the essential elements for using SDM with attention to the requirements for the role of supporter – especially if the supporter is a sibling. The presenter will explore the many ways people can get assistance and the most effective strategies for providing help. There will also be opportunities to discuss how SDM strategies can be used even if a guardianship is already in place to empower and respect the person with a disability.