Advancing Supported Decision-Making: Exploring Family and Individual Perspectives to Reduce Reliance on Guardianship - Advancing Supported Decision-Making: Exploring Family and Individual Perspectives to Reduce Reliance on Guardianship Supported decision-making (SDM) has emerged as a promising alternative to guardianship, promoting self-determination, independence, and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As children with disabilities approach the age of majority, families often face critical decisions about whether to pursue guardianship or explore less restrictive alternatives. However, little research exists on how they navigate these choices. This project addresses that gap by examining family decision-making and identifying ways to improve access to information and support for considering alternatives like SDM. Throughout this 12-month project, I will: • Examine factors shaping guardianship decisions by surveying 200 Ohio parents and guardians of in-school youth with disabilities and 150 parents and non-parent family guardians of adults with IDD. • Explore the decision-making experiences of individuals with IDD by surveying 100 participants using methods co-developed with research team members with IDD. • Develop and validate the Autonomy-Protection Attitudes Scale, a measure of attitudes toward decision-making for individuals with IDD, to guide research and interventions. • Share findings statewide with individuals with IDD, families, policymakers, and educators through a partnership with the Supported Decision-Making Network of Ohio (SDMNO). The research will address five primary questions: 1. What information and guidance do families receive about guardianship and less restrictive alternatives as their children approach adulthood? 2. What factors influence families' decisions regarding guardianship and its alternatives during this transition? 3. What knowledge gaps or barriers do families face in accessing resources for making these decisions? 4. How do adults with IDD experience using decision-making supports, and what impact do these supports have on their autonomy and quality of life? 5. Do attitudes toward decision-making for individuals with IDD differ across generations and between individuals with IDD and their families? The project will be conducted in collaboration with the Supported Decision-Making Network of Ohio (SDMNO) and guided by an advisory board comprising parents, self-advocates, and other representatives from member organizations. This research aims to inform the development of resources, policy recommendations, and supports that empower families to make informed decisions, ultimately reducing reliance on guardianship and increasing the use of alternatives for individuals with IDD.
