(Audio Description)
(NARRATOR): We all make tons of decisions - every day!
Some of them are small decisions,
like whether or not you should buy that
cool new video game - or order pizza.
Others are bigger.
Like deciding what kind of career you want,
where you want to live
or who to vote for in an election.
Everyone has the right to make decisions.
Sometimes we need help with those decisions.
If you’re a young person or an older adult with a disability, your family,
medical service provider,
or someone else may ask a judge
if they can become your guardian
and make all of your decisions for you.
This is a legal arrangement called, "Full Guardianship.”
Your parent or guardian might think they
have to get guardianship to do things like
attend IEP meetings
or help you make financial decisions,
but that’s not true.
There are other ways that people can help you make choices.
For example, a Healthcare Proxy
only helps make healthcare choices.
and a Social Security Representative Payee
only helps with some financial choices.
But another option that lets you keep control
of your choices is called, "Supported Decision-Making."
A supported decision-making agreement
lays out a plan for you to meet with a person
or group of people you trust.
These people can be family members,
friends, co-workers, or others
who can help you make decisions.
You pick the decisions you might need help with,
who can help, and how.
Your group of supporters might look through information
with you and talk through
the pros and cons of different choices.
They might talk with you about eating healthy foods,
or ways to keep track of appointments.
Want to choose a college,
vote in elections, or change jobs?
What about date, get married,
or start a family?
With Supported Decision-Making,
you are the decision maker.
With Guardianship, the guardian is the decision maker
and makes all the final decisions.
Some decisions are big,
some are small,
and all of them are important.
Making your own choices can help you lead
a happier, healthier life.
If you are a person with a disability
and feel like you need help making decisions,
know that you have options.
You have the right to decide.