Support My Decisions in Maine

05/17/2016

On May 25th the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making will be conducting the first part in a three part series on SDM and special education. Read more at our website: supportmydecision.org and register at: https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9sg2jw8zZTzWufr

04/01/2016

Just a reminder to anyone interested in learning more about Supported Decision-Making to sign up for the webinar! More info and registration can be found at: http://drme.org/events/free-webinar-alternatives-to-guardianship-supported-decision-making

Decision-making is a skill like any other. We each process information differently and react based on different priorities and different life experiences. Similarly, we all experience difficulties in decision-making at one time or another. For individuals experiencing limitations in decision-making,…

03/28/2016

People with disabilities are routinely placed under guardianship, not to hurt us or make our lives difficult, but because everyone is told that people with disabilities need to be under guardianship. It's just the way that it has been done. There is a better way.

03/28/2016

Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is the practice of using supports in the decision-making process. Supports can come in many forms and ways. The key is to find the places where we need help in decision-making and accommodate those areas with support. SDM is a powerful alternative to guardianship because with the right supports, there is no need for a substitute decision-maker or guardian. SDM stands for the principle that everyone should have the right to make choices and live a self-determined life.

03/28/2016

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Everyone makes some bad decisions too. Supported Decision Making can be a much better alternative to guardianship, (which really does take from people the ability to make any decisions), because people who would never really have the opportunity to reach for the stars, to take risks, to be independent, to be safe and free from exploitation (especially when their guardians go away or pass away), and to have full civil rights, can be free, can be full participants in society.