Legislative Memo on Supported Decision-Making by People with Disabilities

Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is an important and tested means by which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can make their own decisions, with the support of trusted persons in their lives. An SDM agreement is a written record of the areas in which such individuals receive support, the kind of support they want in each area, and the persons who have committed to providing that support. Supporters agree to help the supported person understand, consider, and communicate their decisions, giving them the tools they need to make their own informed choices.

S.7107-B / A.8586-B will permit people with IDD to choose trusted support people to help them direct their lives, without court intervention or loss of civil rights. The NYCLU strongly supports this legislation and urges its passage.