SDMNY began in 2016 as 5-year pilot project funded by the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) and has been supported at different points in its duration through the generosity of private funders including the Ford Foundation, the FAR Fund, and the Taft Foundation. Today, SDMNY operates under pilot funding from the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
SDM is now widely recognized in NYS as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship. Based on the success of the pilot and incorporating the Principles for Supported Decision-Making Legislation developed by SDMNY out of its experience, The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) drafted an SDMA bill that was passed by both houses of the legislature and signed by the Governor on July 26, 2022. SDMNY’s plan for sustainability is incorporated within a 3-year implementation grant from OPWDD as SDMNY continues to make SDM a reality in New York. SDMNY’s facilitation process continues to be refined and and has been evaluated, and more than 120 Decision-Makers have signed SDMAs.
What is supported decision-making?
Supported decision-making is a way for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to make their own choices—with help. Just like anyone might ask friends or family for advice when making big decisions, people with disabilities can get support to understand options, weigh pros and cons, and communicate their decisions.
The key is: the decision belongs to the person, not the supporter.
Examples of supported decisions:
- Choosing where to live—a supporter might help compare apartments, explain lease terms, and visit places together.
- Managing money—a supporter could help create a budget, explain banking options, or go over bills.
- Making healthcare choices—a supporter might help understand treatment options, attend appointments, or ask questions.
- Building relationships—a supporter could help talk through feelings, understand boundaries, or navigate dating.
- Finding a job—a supporter might help explore interests, prepare for interviews, or understand workplace expectations.
Supporters are chosen by the decision-maker and might help in different areas. These supporters are often family or trusted friends, and the arrangement is sometimes written down in a supported decision-making agreement. While not yet legally binding in New York, these agreements can be a powerful alternative to guardianship, which takes away a person’s right to make decisions.