People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have the same right to make decisions about their lives as people without disabilities. However, their ability to make their own decisions is often questioned by teachers, doctors, family members, and others.
People with I/DD are at an increased risk of being placed under guardianship, and guardianship is frequently still the only option presented and utilized by families and supporters of people with I/DD. Guardianship can be an obstacle to the development of self-determination skills, and research has shown that individuals with reduced self-determination have diminished quality-of-life outcomes and are less likely to live and be integrated into their community.
This webinar will describe guardianship and less restrictive decision-making alternatives, as well as help debunk some of the myths that persist about guardianship and supported decision-making.
