Clausen House Newsletter: Autonomy, Choice, and Supported Decision‑Making

What Is Supported Decision‑Making?

Supported Decision‑Making is a way for adults with IDD to make their own decisions with help, rather than having someone else decide for them. Under SDM, the individual chooses trusted supporters—such as family members, friends, or staff—to help understand information, consider options, and communicate decisions. Importantly, the decision always belongs to the individual. [acl.gov], [dds.ca.gov]

SDM can be used for many types of decisions, including:

• Health care and medical choices
• Employment and education decisions
• Housing and daily living choices
• Financial and service‑related decisions

Just as people without disabilities ask others for advice, adults with IDD can use SDM in ways that fit their needs and preferences. [acl.gov]

Why Autonomy and Choice Matter

Autonomy—the ability to make choices about one’s own life—is a fundamental human right. Disability‑rights advocates emphasize that adults with IDD should be presumed capable of making decisions, with supports provided as needed rather than removing rights through restrictive legal arrangements. [thearc.org], [harvardlawreview.org]

Research and advocacy show that when people are supported to make their own decisions:

• Self‑confidence and independence increase
• People are more engaged in their communities
• Personal goals and satisfaction improve [ucedd.wais…n.wisc.edu]

 

How Supported Decision‑Making Differs from Guardianship

Traditionally, many adults with IDD were placed under guardianship or conservatorship, where a court appoints someone else to make decisions on their behalf. While guardianship may be appropriate in very limited circumstances, it is widely recognized as the most restrictive option, often removing fundamental rights such as choosing where to live, how to spend money, or whether to vote. [ucedd.wais…n.wisc.edu], [familyreso…gators.org]

Supported Decision‑Making is considered a less restrictive alternative because it:

• Preserves the individual’s legal rights
• Can be adjusted over time as needs change
• Encourages learning and growth as a decision‑maker [disability…center.org]

Supported Decision‑Making and Disability Rights

Supported Decision‑Making is grounded in international and national disability‑rights principles. Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) affirms that people with disabilities have the right to equal recognition before the law and should have access to support to exercise their legal capacity. [ohchr.org], [supportedd…isions.org]

California has also embraced this approach. In 2023, the state enacted reforms to encourage less restrictive alternatives to conservatorship, clearly recognizing SDM as a valid and preferred option for many adults with developmental disabilities. [dds.ca.gov]

 

What This Means at Clausen House

At Clausen House, we support:

• Choice‑making in daily life, such as activities, schedules, and goals
• Opportunities to practice decision‑making skills
• Respect for each person’s voice, communication style, and preferences
• Collaboration with families and supporters, guided by what the individual wants

By supporting autonomy and decision‑making, we help participants build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation in their communities—while ensuring they have the support they choose.

 

Looking Forward

Supported Decision‑Making reflects a shift toward seeing adults with IDD as decision‑makers, citizens, and leaders in their own lives. At Clausen House, we remain committed to practices that honor dignity, self‑direction, and human rights—today and into the future.

 

References

• Harvard Law Review – Supported Decision‑Making for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities [harvardlawreview.org]

• California Department of Developmental Services – Supported Decision‑Making FAQ [dds.ca.gov]

• U.S. Administration for Community Living – Supported Decision‑Making Program [acl.gov]

• The Arc – Autonomy, Decision‑Making Supports, and Guardianship [thearc.org]

• UCEDD / Waisman Center – Making the Case for Supported Decision‑Making [ucedd.wais...n.wisc.edu]

• United Nations – Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Article 12 [ohchr.org], [supportedd...isions.org]