NARRATOR: What is Supported Decision-Making?
A message from Disability Rights Texas.
RICKY: Hello, my name is Ricky Broussard
and I'm at Disability Rights Texas.
I'm here to talk to you today
about supported decision-making.
NARRATOR: Supported decision-making
is a way for people with disabilities
to keep our rights and make our own choices
with help from others
instead of having a guardian who makes decisions for us.
Guardianship
RICKY: People say guardians make it easier,
but once you have a guardian
that guardian has control over you.
A guardian is decided by a judge
and you do not have control over
any important decisions that need to be made.
It shouldn't be that way
because it's about the individual's life,
it's not about their life.
NARRATOR: Under guardianship, you can lose the right to choose
where you live, how you spend your money,
who you spend your time with,
and other important decisions.
Supported decision-making.
RICKY: Supported decision-making
it's all about the individual.
It helps us make the right decision
for ourself and our life.
If you need help making decisions,
choose someone that you trust.
It doesn't have to be a family member.
It could be somebody at school you trust
or somebody at work you trust.
After you choose somebody to support you,
you tell them what you need support on
and how they can help you.
Some of the things that your supporter can help you do
is going to the grocery store,
or make medical decisions,
or with where you live.
Or they could help over your finances.
In my support team, I let everybody know,
"Okay, this is what I need decisions on,
and this is what I need you to help me with."
After I hear the pros and cons of the decision,
that's when I make the final decision
on whatever choice I make.
We all need help to make decisions.
We have to make decisions every day.
Your rights should not be taken away
just because you need help.
NARRATOR: To learn more, ask for the free book called
Making My Own Choices, by calling 512-454-4816
or toll free at 800-252-9108
or by video phone, toll free, at 866-362-2851
or by visiting www.DRTx.org/Choices
This video was brought to you by Disability Rights Texas.
Find us on the web at www.DRTx.org.
Financial support for this video is provided by
the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
with federal funds made available by
the US Department of Health and Human Services
Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
The views contained herein do not necessarily reflect
the position or policy of the funding agencies.
Produced by Rooted in Rights