Supported Decision-Making Service

Supported Decision-Making Service for Persons with Disabilities | Service Model

The Human Rights Center for People with Disabilitis

Supporting the implementation of the decision:

In view of the fact that the support services

available to persons with disabilities are partial and lacking, the support of the supporter is often

needed for the implementation of the decision. However, in many cases such support is partial

and insufficient since it is time consuming, intensive and requires training which the supporter

does not have. This is the case particularly in the employment and housing areas which require

multiple, diverse support resources – for instance when the case concerns a person seeking

independent living accommodations in the community. Hence, it should be emphasized that the

development of supported decision-making services cannot replace the development of a personal

support package.

Practical tools:

• Help the person build a practical plan for the implementation of the choice made.

• Accompany the person in the implementation process (writing a letter, completing a

form, planning a meeting or any other act).

• Break down the implementation into stages, according to the person's ability.

• Help the person plan and conduct meetings attended by the person, the supporter

and the relevant party for the implementation of the choice (service provider, parent,

welfare department social worker).

• Advise the person on how to contact different agencies, including simulations and

hands-on experiences.

F. Evaluation

The last stage in the decision-making process involves self-evaluation of the decision

made and its implementation. Despite the fact that it is referred to as the last stage, it

actually runs through the entire process, which consists of constant re-evaluation of

the circumstances, options, wishes and manner of implementation of the person's decision. At this

stage, the person can change their mind, change direction or feel stronger and more reassured

about their decision.

The transition between the different stages has its own dynamics: So, for example, the process, in

and of itself, can evoke new or 'dormant' desires for the person, leading to an additional support

process. In addition, understanding the different options available to them may cause the person

to go back and gather additional information, in a bid to explore all options. Hence, the transition

between the different support stages is not necessarily linear, repetitive and consistent but can

rather be spiral and even staggered.