My Choice Kentucky- Supported Decision Making

2023

The need and the desire for alternatives to guardianship both nationally and locally has been growing over the past few years. During that time, My Choice Kentucky - a project started in 2015 and housed at the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky (HDI) in partnership with Kentucky Protection and Advocacy (P&A) - has educated and supported people in Kentucky regarding supported decision-making (SDM) which is an increasingly popular alternative to guardianship. SDM is a paradigm in which people use trusted friends, family members, and professionals to help them make decisions. The first objective of the project is direct support and representation in rights restoration cases.The second equally important objective is the spreading of information regarding alternatives to guardianship so that many other people can begin using SDM and avoid guardianship altogether. Upon conclusion of this project, we will have directly assisted 15 people in implementing SDM and petitioning to have their rights restored. While these people are working to have their rights restored, the project will also be conducting education and trainings around the state. Staff at HDI will conduct trainings for 10 groups and provide education as needed to other interested parties. As interest around SDM grows in Kentucky, the need for resources and information will grow. This need will be met by the resourced developed by the project team and housed on the project website. These resources will be available on-demand to anyone with an interest in alternatives to guardianship.

supported decision-making, guardianship

Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training

Quality of Life

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances

State, National

N/A