Voice Choice Control: Practical Guide to SDM & Alternatives to Guardianship

Empower Voice, Promote Choice, Support Self-Determination, Build Independence. Explore SDM principles and alternatives to guardianship.
About this Event

Training Description

Every person deserves the opportunity to make choices about their own life. Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is changing the way we think about decision-making by recognizing that people with disabilities can make informed decisions when they have the right support.

This interactive three-hour training explores the principles of Supported Decision-Making, its connection to self-determination and disability rights, and how it serves as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship. Participants will examine common misconceptions about decision-making capacity, explore practical alternatives to guardianship, and learn strategies that promote informed choice while respecting individual rights.

Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, real-world examples, and demonstrations of innovative resources—including AI-assisted decision-making tools and the Dungeons & Decisions game—participants will gain practical skills they can immediately apply to support people in making informed decisions with greater confidence, independence, and autonomy.

Who Should Attend?

This training is designed for anyone who supports, advocates for, or works alongside people with developmental disabilities, including:

• County Board professionals
• Service and Support Administrators (SSAs)
• Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
• Provider agency staff and leadership
• Families and caregivers
• Educators and transition professionals
• Guardians and prospective guardians
• Self-advocates and people with disabilities
• Attorneys and legal professionals interested in less restrictive alternatives to guardianship
• Anyone committed to promoting self-determination and person-centered supports

Why Attend?

Supported Decision-Making is more than a legal alternative to guardianship—it is a philosophy that recognizes every person's right to direct their own life. Whether you are new to SDM or looking for practical strategies to strengthen your current practice, this training will provide knowledge, tools, and confidence you can begin using immediately.

Participants will:

• Understand the relationship between disability rights, self-determination, Supported Decision-Making, and guardianship.
• Learn when guardianship may or may not be appropriate and explore less restrictive alternatives.
• Challenge common assumptions about decision-making capacity.
• Practice practical strategies that help people make informed decisions while honoring their preferences, rights, and goals.
• Experience hands-on tools and resources—including AI-assisted supports, decision-making frameworks, and interactive activities—that can be adapted for everyday situations.
• Build confidence in balancing dignity of risk with health, safety, and informed decision-making.
• Leave with practical ideas to promote greater voice, choice, control, and self-determination in the lives of the people they support.

This training blends research, discussion, and hands-on practice to help participants move beyond theory and confidently apply Supported Decision-Making in everyday life.

APPROVED FOR 3 CPDU HOURS THROUGH The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for the following positions: County Board Member, Investigative Agent, Service Support Administration, and Superintendent.

Annual Provider Training Category

Component C – Components of Quality Care

This training satisfies Ohio's Annual Provider Training Component C (Components of Quality Care) by emphasizing person-centered philosophy and practice, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, self-determination, Supported Decision-Making, and practical strategies that promote quality supports while respecting individual rights, informed choice, and dignity of risk.

This training also contains elements that support Component E (Positive Behavioral Support) by promoting proactive communication strategies, positive support practices, and approaches that help individuals exercise informed choice while reducing unnecessary restrictions.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

No cancellations will be accepted. You may transfer your registration up until 4pm on the business day prior to your event. To transfer your registration, contact Heather Campbell at [email protected].