Jonathan Martinis and Lucy Beadnell
2021
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SDM is a less restrictive alternative to guardianship and a way to increase independence and self-determination for people with disabilities. SDM has been recognized by courts, legislatures, and policymakers across the United States. SDM is based on decades of research showing that people with disabilities who have more control over their lives and make more decisions have a better quality of life. When people with disabilities use SDM, they work with friends, family members, and professionals they choose, who help them understand the situations and choices they face, so they can make their own decisions to the maximum extent possible. In that way, SDM mirrors how everyone, with and without disabilities, makes informed decisions. Therefore, SDM can empower people with disabilities to avoid guardianship when it is unnecessary and improve their quality of life whether or not they are in guardianship. In the Pilot Project, we worked with 10 people with IDD and their supporters to create individualized SDM plans. We then studied the impact of SDM on their quality of life. Our study found that project participants who used SDM improved their independence and decision-making skills, made better decisions, and had enhanced quality of life. Based on our findings and research, we recommend that the Commonwealth of Virginia increase knowledge, access to, and use of SDM.
In this pilot study, we found that young adults with IDD who used SDM:
(1) Were more independent and self-confident
(2) Improved at making decisions
(3) Made objectively better decisions
(4) Had improved quality of life
Martinis, J. & Beadnell, L. (2021). “I learned that I have a voice in my future:” Summary, findings, and recommendations of the Virginia supported decision-making pilot project.
Keywords: guardianship, self-determination, supported decision-making