Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a series of relationships, practices, arrangements and agreements designed to assist an individual with a disability to make and communicate to others decisions about their life.
During the 127th Legislature, LD 123 An Act to Recodify and Revise the Maine Probate Code, was signed into law. LD 123, also known as Public Law 402, includes "a finding that clear and convincing evidence has established that the identified needs of the respondent cannot be met by a protective arrangement instead of guardianship or other less restrictive alternatives, including use of appropriate supportive services, technological assistance or supported decision making." Click here to view the full text of the law. References to supported decision-making can be found in Parts 3-5.
To learn more about Supported Decision-Making, or to request a training for your organization, contact Disability Rights Maine at 1.800.452.1948 or fill out our online contact form.
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a tool that allows people with disabilities to retain their decision-making capacity by choosing supports to help them make choices.
Supported Decision-Making will look different for everyone. It means finding supports to help a person with a disability understand, make, and communicate their own choices. When using Supported Decision-Making, the person can execute a Supported Decision-Making agreement which identifies their method of decision-making. This document can help doctors, bankers, lawyers, and other third parties to understand and accept the decision of the person with a disability.
Examples of tools might be: