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Decide Your Future

SDM PA believes decision making is a fundamental human right.

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Supported Decision Making PA is hosting our first informational Webinar this October 23rd.

To learn more about the webinar and register, please click the button provided

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What is Supported
Decision Making?

How do you make Decisions? Do you rely on your own experiences alone? What if you don’t know something? How do you weigh your options or even decide what questions to ask?

Supported Decision Making is a way of making choices and decisions about your own life, with some help from others. This help comes from a team of trusted people that you choose to become your circle of support. The circle of support can include friends, family, mentors, or professionals. They are here to support you!  

It’s natural to ask others for advice. The process is the same no matter the decision, although the amount of help someone needs varies by person. Decisions are made by you. 

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Learn How Supported Decision Making Can Work For You

Decision Maker

A youth or adult with a disability who is ready to make their own decisions.

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Supporter

A family member, mentor, or friend who wants to be a supporter for a decision maker.

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School Personnel

An educator, guidance counselor, or transition coordinator who wants to empower students with disabilities.

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Service Professionals

A health, law, or service Agency professional who advocates for Supported Decision Making an alternative to guardianship.

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About SDM PA

Supported Decision Making Pennsylvania is partnership between Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) and Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley (JFSLV) funded by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC).

SDMPA will raise awareness and provide information about how Supported Decision Making works, focusing on youth with disabilities who are transition-aged and their family members, and those professionals involved in the transition from youth to adulthood.

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Resource Center

The Resource Center includes carefully selected resources on topics related to Supported Decision Making, guardianship, and transition planning.

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Academic SDM resource list

A short list of academic papers and research related to Supported Decision Making and Guardianship. 

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General Supported Decision Making external resources.

More resources and links for various SDM related information

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decision-makers

Resources for Decision Makers using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

A collection of resources related to Augmentative and Alternative Communicaiton.

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