On Tuesday, October 31 at a hearing before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, people with lived experience led the advocacy with powerful testimony about An Act Relative to Supported Decision-Making or SDM (H1485).
The Massachusetts Supported Decision Making Coalition (MASDM) is co-chaired by Jonathan Gardner, a decision-maker and self-advocate, and Maura Sullivan, The Arc’s Senior Director of Government Affairs and Health Policy. The committee heard from 22 members of the MASDM Coalition who came together to provide in person and remote testimony.
The hearing can be viewed on demand here: Hearing Details – Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
The bill would allow certain adults, including those with disabilities, to maintain their rights, dignity, and independence by choosing trusted supports to provide assistance making decisions about their lives. SDM is an alternative to guardianship where appropriate. If you wish to share written testimony to support H1485, please reach out to Maura Sullivan at Sullivan@arcmass.org.
