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Session Description
Session Description
Study after study has shown that when older adults and people with disabilities have more control over their life and make more decisions for themselves – when they have more self-determination – they have a better quality of life including improved education, employment, and independent living outcomes. However, guardianship, when it is overbroad or undue, can reduce or remove people’s self-determination, which research shows can decrease their quality of life. This session will introduce the audience to the theory, practice, and applications of Supported Decision-Making (SDM). When people with disabilities use SDM, they work with friends, family, and professionals so they can understand their choices and make their own decisions. Research, practice, court decisions, and legislation have recognized SDM as an alternative to guardianship and a way to enhance self-determination and quality of life. We will also discuss practical ways to empower people with disabilities to use SDM.
Presenter Bio
Presenter Bio
Johnathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy
Johnathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy
Jonathan Martins is the Senior Director for Law and Policy for the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, leading its efforts to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead independent, inclusive lives. In 2013, Jonathan represented Margaret “Jenny” Hatch in the “Justice for Jenny” case – the first trial to hold that a person has the right to use Supported Decision-Making to make her own life choices instead of being subjected to a permanent, plenary guardianship. Since then, Jonathan has led Supported Decision-Making projects in several states and educated tens of thousands of older adults, people with disabilities, families, and professionals across the country on Supported Decision-Making theory and practice. Jonathan has written or co-written over 60 books, articles, and other publications on Supported Decision-Making, including the first textbook and first theory-to-practice guidebook on the subject.
Jonathan Martins is the Senior Director for Law and Policy for the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, leading its efforts to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead independent, inclusive lives. In 2013, Jonathan represented Margaret “Jenny” Hatch in the “Justice for Jenny” case – the first trial to hold that a person has the right to use Supported Decision-Making to make her own life choices instead of being subjected to a permanent, plenary guardianship. Since then, Jonathan has led Supported Decision-Making projects in several states and educated tens of thousands of older adults, people with disabilities, families, and professionals across the country on Supported Decision-Making theory and practice. Jonathan has written or co-written over 60 books, articles, and other publications on Supported Decision-Making, including the first textbook and first theory-to-practice guidebook on the subject.
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