We all make tons of decisions - every day! Some of them are small decisions, like whether or not you should buy that cool new video game - or order pizza. Others are bigger. Like deciding what kind of career you want, where you want to live or who to vote for in an election. Everyone has the right to make decisions. Sometimes we need help with those decisions.
If you're a young person or an older adult with a disability, your family, medical service provider, or someone else may ask a judge if they can become your guardian and make all of your decisions for you. This is a legal arrangement called, "Full Guardianship." Your parent or guardian might think they have to get guardianship to do things like attend IEP meetings or help you make financial decisions, but that's not true. There are other ways that people can help you make choices. For example, a Healthcare Proxy only helps make healthcare choices. and a Social Security Representative Payee only helps with some financial choices.
But another option that lets you keep control of your choices is called, "Supported Decision-Making." A supported decision-making agreement lays out a plan for you to meet with a person or group of people you trust. These people can be family members, friends, co-workers, or others who can help you make decisions. You pick the decisions you might need help with, who can help, and how. Your group of supporters might look through information with you and talk through the pros and cons of different choices. They might talk with you about eating healthy foods, or ways to keep track of appointments.
Want to choose a college, vote in elections, or change jobs? What about date, get married, or start a family? With Supported Decision-Making, you are the decision maker. With Guardianship, the guardian is the decision maker and makes all the final decisions. Some decisions are big, some are small, and all of them are important. Making your own choices can help you lead a happier, healthier life. If you are a person with a disability and feel like you need help making decisions, know that you have options. You have the right to decide.
Learn more about Guardianship on iDecideFl.org
Disability Rights Florida Contact Information:
Visit our website at www.DisabilityRightsFlorida.org
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