Supported Decision-Making Service

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Supported Decision-Making Service for Persons with Disabilities | Service Model
The Human Rights Center for People with Disabilitis
Recommendations
This section collates the main recommendations arising from the two stages of the assessment
study. These recommendations are based on a preliminary pilot and a preliminary assessment
with a small number of participants, and the effectiveness of the supported decision making pilot
should continue to be assessed in tandem with the continued development and use of the model.
1. Pilot expansion – It seems that trials using this model should continue for longer durations
and with more participants. It is recommended to test the model with persons who have been
put under guardianship, but no guardian has yet been appointed – in order to test the efficacy
of the model as an alternative to guardianship and continue developing it.
2. Adapting the model to specific features – The assessment study shows that the model was
effective for interviewees with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities (including when there
is also a physical disability). It seems, however, that there is a need to adapt the model to
individuals whose function fluctuates. There may be other elements to which the model will
have to be adapted. To test this, the model should be used with a broader group of people who
have different characteristics.
3. Duration of supported decision making services – The pilot lasted one year. The interviews
clearly indicate that this is not enough time for the supported decision making process to reach
its full potential. Since supported decision making services are differential by definition, there
is a need to adapt the duration of the services to the personal needs of each individual, including
the need to change habits entrenched over many years. Some persons with disabilities will
presumably need support throughout their lives.
4. Bringing other actors on board with the support process – It is important to integrate
supported decision making into the overall arrangements involved in the lives of persons with
disabilities. It is recommended to make the effort and devote resources to bringing relevant
actors on board with the process
5. Financial management guidance – It is recommended to incorporate a structured element of
financial management guidance into the support model (when the participant has the need), or
referrals to other actors who can provide this guidance.
6. Continued development of the supported decision making model – It is recommended to
continue developing the decision support making model on following points:
· Defining the supporter’s role as distinguished from a friend or care giver and defining the
expectations a person with a disability might have with respect to this role.
· Guiding supporters on how to help participants through the stages of decision making
 Understanding the concept of “independent decision making,” as opposed to “independent
functioning.”
 Understanding the concept of “decision making” with everything entailed.
 Finding out if there is a drive to make decisions independently and whether it should be
strengthened.
 Identifying areas in which the participant is interested in making independent decisions,
as opposed to areas where he or she prefers to transfer the decisions to someone else based
on a conscious choice.