The Arc and the Massachusetts Supported Decision-Making (MASDM) coalition have been working with the Joint Committees to pass SDM before the deadline in early February.
We know you have also been contacting your legislators. We ask that you contact them one more time to ensure the bills go to vote.
SDM allows adults, including those with disabilities and elders, to choose one or more trusted supporters to provide assistance in making decisions about their lives. Too many people are unnecessarily placed under restrictive guardianships, when they would be able to make their own decisions if they received individualized assistance from people they trust, allowing them to retain their legal rights and dignity.
This movement to establish an alternative to guardianship is worldwide. It will not replace guardianship. Currently, 19 U.S. States and D.C. have passed similar SDM laws. National organizations and federal agencies have endorsed using SDM as an alternative to guardianship when appropriate, including the American Bar Association, the National Guardianship Association, The Arc of the United States, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Council on Disability.
Thank you for joining us in this advocacy. Reach out to Maura Sullivan at sullivan@arcmass.org with any questions.
