You may want help understanding information or communicating a choice. Supported decision making means receiving that help while your own wishes and preferences guide the decision.
It might involve someone reading an agreement with you, using pictures to explain options or giving you more time to think. The amount of assistance can vary between decisions.
Start with how you communicate
Tell people what works for you. You might prefer written information, short conversations, a communication device or a trusted person beside you.
Ask for the options to be explained in a way you can compare. You can ask the same question again or take a break. Agreeing quickly is not the measure of a good decision.
Choose who helps
A supporter might be a family member, friend, advocate or another person you trust. Discuss the role you want them to have and what information you’re happy to share.
Someone helping you decide should listen to your preferences and explain any conflicts of interest. They shouldn’t treat their own preference as your answer.
Understand formal roles
An NDIS nominee, guardian or other legally appointed person may have authority for particular decisions. Those roles have limits and aren’t interchangeable. Being a relative or support worker doesn’t automatically provide authority to decide everything.
The NDIA supported decision making policy centres the person’s rights, will and preferences. It also distinguishes support from deciding for someone. Providers do not assess decision-making capacity or take over a person’s decisions.
Try it with an everyday choice
If you’re choosing an activity, ask about the place, time, cost and assistance available. You may want to visit first or talk with someone who knows the setting.
If you disagree with a proposed option, that should be heard. A discussion about risk can look at ways to make your preferred choice safer without assuming someone else should choose instead.
Bring this into support planning
Ask a provider how your communication preferences and decisions will be recorded. Check that workers speak with you directly and know when you want someone else involved.
Our support planning example shows how choices can be written down. If you’re contacting Vana Care, let us know how you’d like the conversation to happen.
