WBUR Commentary: “I’m an adult with autism. I built a team to help me make decisions.”
SDM Resource Library
Type: Document
Decision-Making Project with Transition-Aged Students in Medford Public Schools in Massachusetts (February 2022)
This Report summarizes activities and findings from a project to promote alternatives to guardianship and Supported Decision-Making for youth through an innovative, replicable decision-making workshop that was piloted in the summer of 2021 as part of Medford Public Schools’ transition program in Massachusetts. This PowerPoint summarizes the key results. This project was funded by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and facilitated by the Center for Public Representation (CPR) and Emily Berheide, CPR consultant.
The Horror of an Unwanted Conservatorship, According to People Who Lived It (July 8, 2021)
Article on people who had their guardianship or conservatorship terminated. Features Cory, participant in CPR and Nonotuck Supported Decision-Making pilot, who had his guardianship terminated in favor of Supported Decision-Making.
Visit resource: The Horror of an Unwanted Conservatorship, According to People Who Lived It
Letter from Senator Warren and Senator Casey on federal response of guardianship reform (July 1, 2021)
Letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding federal response of guardianship and conservatorship reform as highlighted by Britney Spears’ experiences.
Summary, Findings, and Recommendations of The Virginia Supported Decision-Making Pilot Project (2021)
Report from The Arc of Northern Virginia and the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University about the success of the Virginia Supported Decision-Making Pilot Project. Includes reporting on the ten individuals who participated in the pilot and used Supported Decision-Making with positive outcomes. Four pilot participants use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Pilot was funded by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.
For the Disability Community, Britney Spears’ Situation Is All Too Familiar (June 29, 2021)
Article based on podcast interview with reporter Sara Luterman discussing #FreeBritney movement and disability justice context. Includes discussion of Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship. Access full podcast and transcript here.
Visit resource: For the Disability Community, Britney Spears’ Situation Is All Too Familiar
Britney Spears’s Conservatorship Is a Disability Rights Issue That Deserves More Attention (June 25, 2021)
Op-Ed describing Britney Spears’ conservatorship case including discussion of Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship.
Statement from Disability Justice and Supported Decision-Making Advocates: Britney Spears Spotlights the Need for Change Now (June 25, 2021)
Statement from Disability Justice and Supported Decision-Making Advocates: Britney Spears Spotlights the Need for Change Now
