What is Supported Decision Making
Overview
Supported Decision Making is a process where people with disability get help from trusted supporters to understand information, explore options, and make their own informed choices about their lives.
What Supported Decision Making may include
- Help understanding complex information or documents
- Breaking down options into easier-to-understand parts
- Talking through the pros and cons of different choices
- Support to communicate decisions to others
- Assistance accessing information from professionals or services
- Help remembering and following through on decisions made
How Supported Decision Making helps
This approach recognises that everyone has the right to make decisions about their own life, regardless of disability. It builds confidence, maintains independence, and ensures the person’s own values and preferences guide their choices rather than what others think is best for them.
Connection to support services
Many disability support services can incorporate Supported Decision Making principles into their work. Support coordinators, allied health professionals, and in-home support workers can all help facilitate this process by providing information in accessible formats and ensuring the person with disability remains at the centre of all decisions about their care and support.
Related supports
Support Coordination
Allied Health Professionals
In-Home Support
