Supported Decision Making 

What is supported decision making?

Supported Decision Making (SDM) is an alternative to conservatorship or guardianship that offers individuals with disabilities more independence. People can use SDM to make their own decisions instead of having someone else make decisions for them. When you use SDM, you can have more control over your life – more self-determination. When people with disabilities have more self-determination, they can have better lives. They are more likely to work, live independently, and be safer. An SDM plan says when you want help, how you want to be helped, and who will help you. The people in your life who support you make an agreement to follow your plan.

How do I create a Supported Decision Making agreement?

A written plan may be helpful if you are trying to avoid having a guardian or conservator, if you want to make all or some of your decisions with your supporters, or if you are starting out as a young adult. You can share the plan with friends, family, doctors, and other professionals so they can work together to give you the help you want. DRCT has a clinic where attorneys and advocates may be able to help you create your own agreement free of charge.

What does the DRCT Supported Decision Making clinic do?

The clinic is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. An attorney or advocate will meet with you to talk about Supported Decision Making and your plan, including what areas of life you want in your SDM agreement. You can discuss and identify trusted supporters in your circle of family and friends. DRCT clinic staff may be able to help you write up and notarize an SDM agreement. You may need 2-3 appointments.

How do I make an appointment in the SDM clinic?

To request an appointment in the clinic, you can fill out the form below or call us at (860)-422-4220. Someone will be available to take your call Monday through Friday between 10:30 am - 2:30 pm. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in a clinic appointment due to your disability, please tell us what you need below or call us. We will work with you to try to meet your request.

TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TODAY, COMPLETE THE REQUEST FORM BELOW.

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RESOURCES

Supported Decision Making Booklet Series

This is a Booklet Series produced by Jonathan Martinis, Esq. and the Supported Decision Making Coalition of Connecticut. Booklets are being added as they are being completed. The series includes topics such as Special Education Programs, Transition services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Aging. You can find all of the booklets on the CT State Independent Living Council’s website at: www.ctsilc.org/sdm_articles-and-booklets

The Supported Decision Making Coalition of Connecticut is a collaboration between state agencies and nonprofit organizations, education agencies, youth and adults with disabilities, family members, and advocates.

The Connecticut State Independent Living Council works with our state’s five (5) Centers for Independent Living to promote and improve the full participation of people with disabilities in their communities. You can learn more about SDM on their website www.ctsilc.org/supported-decision-making/

National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making: Everyone has the Right to Make Choices. Supported Decision Making is a way people can make their own decisions and stay in charge of their lives, while receiving any help they need to do so. Telephone: (203) 448-1448 Email: JHJP@dcqualitytrust.org  Website: http://supporteddecisionmaking.org/

SDM Training and Technical Assistance Center: Supported Decision Making (SDM) is gaining momentum in Massachusetts and nationwide.  Center for Public Representation has developed toolkits, a resource library, and sample Supported Decision Making Agreement form.  Telephone: (413) 586-6024 Email: SDM@cpr-ma.org Website: https://supporteddecisions.org/