Why Supported Decision Making (SDM) Matters

Naomi Brickell is the project director for Supported Decision Making New York. With a distinguished career focused on empowering people with developmental disabilities, she leads initiatives to present Supported Decision Making (SDM) as a recognized alternative to guardianship in New York. Naomi is known for her work in disability policy advocacy, supporting families through the complexities of disability services, and promoting inclusion within educational settings and communities. She holds a degree from the University of Scranton and a master’s in special education and secondary transition from the University of Kansas.

Nicole Hastings is a self-advocate and leader within the intellectual and developmental disabilities realm. Drawing from her lived experiences, she plays an active role in advocating for self-determination rights. As coordinator of self advocacy and community engagement at the Westchester Institute for Human Development, Nicole leverages her position to empower others. She is both an adaptive sports enthusiast and entrepreneur, running Creative Arts by Nicole, which inspires individuals with disabilities to explore their artistic talents and pursue entrepreneurship.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise explores the transformative impact of Supported Decision Making (SDM) in enhancing autonomy and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. Joined by Naomi Brickell and Nicole Hastings, two prominent advocates, the discussion delves into the nuances of SDM, contrasting it with traditional guardianship models and highlighting its potential to promote self-empowerment in the disability community.

Naomi Brickell explains the fundamental differences between guardianship and Supported Decision Making, underscoring how SDM prioritizes personal choice, autonomy, and the use of trusted support networks to guide decision-making. The episode challenges the misconception that guardianship is the only or safest option, revealing SDM’s role in fostering better decision-making and learning from mistakes. Nicole Hastings shares her personal journey with SDM, illustrating the importance of choosing supporters who respect individual autonomy and emphasizing the dignity of risk and the right to make independent choices, even if they lead to mistakes. As listeners engage with these dynamic stories, they'll gain a deeper appreciation for the principles of self-determination and inclusion driving this movement.

Key Takeaways:

• Supported Decision Making (SDM) is presented as a powerful alternative to guardianship, enabling individuals with disabilities to make their own informed choices with the support of chosen allies.
• Nicole Hastings discusses how her SDM journey is rooted in selecting trusted supporters to aid in complex areas like healthcare and finance, without relinquishing autonomy.
• Naomi Brickell emphasizes that guardianship often doesn't provide the safety families assume, contrasting it with SDM’s emphasis on intentional decision-making support.
• The conversation stresses the necessity for SDM to become a normalized approach in society, reducing the systemic barriers and stigmas faced by individuals with disabilities.

Resources:

·         Supported Decision Making New York

·         17a Guardianship

·         Senate Bill S7107B

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