New supported decision making and guardianship booklet released by Ohio DD Council

By Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Press Release

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council has released a new and updated guardianship booklet titled “Supported Decision Making and Guardianship in Ohio.” Developed through the law offices of Resch, Root, Philipps and Graham, the booklet provides information such as what are decision making documents; what is an authorized decision maker; and navigating Power of Attorneys.

Its goal is to help families of soon-to-be adult children with developmental disabilities understand all the available alternatives to guardianship before making lasting decisions that impact their loved ones. The updated version now includes important updates on supported decision making and other alternatives to guardianships for people with developmental and other disabilities.

It was restructured to emphasize supported decision making as a first option to consider and guardianship as one of the last options to consider. The new structure features that the least restrictive options appear first, followed by other options (power of attorneys, representative payees), and finishing with guardianship.

Additionally, the book updates some terms related to supported decision making (e.g., chosen representative or substitute decision maker updated to Authorized Decision Maker) and includes a new section on supported decision making documents.

Logan Philipps, one of the booklet’s two authors, said an update to the information contained in the booklet was due.

“This new book reflects the progress made in the disability community to support individuals in the least restrictive way possible,” said Philipps.

Philipps helped to write the previous version of the booklet, last published in 2018.

Derek Graham, the booklet’s co-author, said, “This book helps empower individuals and their families to pursue decision making supports in the most effective way.”

The booklet is available in digital form on the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council’s website (ddc.ohio.gov). Print copies can be obtained by contacting the Council’s office at ddcinfo@dodd.ohio.gov.

A Spanish-language version of the book is currently in development and will be released soon.

About Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council: The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is made up of over 30 members, with the majority being individuals with developmental disabilities, and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio. By the direction of our members, the Ohio DD Council funds grant projects that aim to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities with an emphasis on self-determination, diversity and inclusion.

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New supported decision making and guardianship booklet released by Ohio DD Council