Supported Decision-Making Technical Assistance Program (SDM-TAP)
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a way to help people who might have trouble making decisions on their own. This can include people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, people with dementia, or anyone else who might need a bit of extra help understanding their options and making informed choices. SDM is a process that respects people’s rights and dignity, promotes independence, and prevents abuse or exploitation.
In California law, SDM allows individuals to choose supporters who have a legal right to be part of the individual’s decision-making process. They can choose trusted people, like family members, friends, or other community members to be their supporters. Individuals have the legal right for chosen supporters to be present in meetings where decision making takes place, including Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, legal hearings, and medical appointments.
These supporters help the individual understand information, weigh the pros and cons, and communicate their decisions to others. The key point is that the final decision is always in the hands of the individual, not the supporter. The supporter’s role is to assist, not to decide. SDM, in California law, allows an individual to retain ALL their personal rights and autonomy while ensuring that they have trusted supporters advising them.
For more information, please view additional SDM-TAP pages below: