The box below shows the areas where most adults are capable of making their own decisions.
Some adults with developmental disabilities will be able to make decisions for themselves in all of these areas, and some will not. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, and it is important that we are able to direct you to the best solution for your situation.
Some adults with developmental disabilities will be able to make decisions for themselves in all of these areas, and some will not. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, and it is important that we are able to direct you to the best solution for your situation.
Areas of Decision Making
- The ability to decide where you live
- The ability to make informed treatment decisions about your health
- The ability to make decisions about who you spend time with and activities you participate in
- The ability to make decisions managing any benefits you receive
- The ability to manage your own accounts and services, and to manage any property or items you own
Please note - There is a difference between not being capable of making independent decisions in an area, and not having the life experience to make good decisions yet. Most 18-year-olds, whether or not have have a disability, will have to learn how to be an adult, and will need support with developing skills. Similarly, many young adults with developmental disabilities are capable in many areas but just don't have the experience to consistently make good decisions. It is also important to understand that needing support to do something is not the same as not being able to do it. A peron who can do the things listed above with support and assistance of people they trust, is capable of making their own decisions. For examples of these types of assistance that will allow and adult with developmental disabilities to make their own decisions, read 100 Ways to use Supported Decision Making.
For this page please judge whether or not you feel they are capable of making decisions in an area.
For this page please judge whether or not you feel they are capable of making decisions in an area.
What is the right solution?
Based on the areas of decision making above, which option best describes the decision making ability of the adult with developmental disabilities? This answer will help determine the solution that we recommend for your situation.
