Supported decision-making is a process where individuals are provided with the necessary assistance and support to make their own decisions about various aspects of their lives, such as healthcare, finances, and living arrangements. This approach emphasizes the autonomy, self-determination, independence of individuals, and seeks to ensure that they are able to make decisions that reflect their own values, preferences, and needs.

In supported decision-making, individuals are provided with information, resources, and assistance from family members, friends, caregivers, or professionals to help them understand their options and make informed decisions. The goal is to enable individuals to make their own decisions to the greatest extent possible, while still ensuring their safety and well-being.

Supported decision-making can be especially important for individuals with disabilities, cognitive impairments, or other challenges that may affect their ability to make decisions independently. By providing the necessary support and accommodations, individuals can exercise their legal rights and make decisions that are in their best interests.

Supported Decision-Making in Arizona

Under current Arizona law, supported decision-making is not a legally protected option to retain decision-making authority.  There are not currently any state regulations related to supported decision-making.

Arizona's State Legislature considers bills regarding supported decision-making.  Legislation has not yet been successful in Arizona.

Self-Determination

Self-determination refers to an individual's ability to make choices and decisions about their own life, based on their own values, interests, and preferences. It involves taking responsibility for one's own actions and the consequences that come with them.

Self-determination is an important concept in many fields, including education, healthcare, and disability services. It emphasizes the idea that individuals should be able to direct their own lives and have control over their own destiny. This includes the ability to make decisions about where to live, what to do for work or leisure, and how to receive supports and services.

Self-determination is often seen as a fundamental aspect of personal autonomy, and is linked to improved outcomes in areas such as health, education, and employment. It is also viewed as a human right, and is enshrined in various international human rights documents.

Organizations such as the Self-Determination Resource Center, the National Council on Independent Living, and the Arc of the United States all advocate for the promotion of self-determination for people with disabilities. 

Resources to Learn More about Supported Decision-Making

There are several resources available to learn more about supported decision-making, including:

1. National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making: This center provides information, training, and technical assistance on supported decision-making. They offer resources for individuals, families, professionals, and advocates.

2. Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF): DREDF is a national organization that works to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. They have developed a toolkit on supported decision-making, which includes a variety of resources, including fact sheets, videos, and case studies.

3. Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): ASAN is a national organization run by and for Autistic people. They have developed a toolkit on supported decision-making for Autistic people, which includes information on the legal and practical aspects of supported decision-making.

4. The Arc of the United States: The Arc is a national organization that advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have developed a toolkit on supported decision-making, which includes information on legal issues, communication strategies, and planning tools.

5. The National Council on Disability (NCD): The NCD is an independent federal agency that advises the President and Congress on disability policy issues. They have published several reports on supported decision-making, including "Beyond Guardianship: Toward Alternatives That Promote Greater Self-Determination for People with Disabilities."

These resources provide a wealth of information on supported decision-making and can help individuals, families, and professionals better understand this approach and its benefits.