My Journey to Independence Through Supported Decision Making

Monday, October 14

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Location: Independence Ballroom B, C, D, E

Breakout Session Presenter(s)

Dan Stewart

Advisor
Achieva Resources Corp. Inc. (Retired)

Breakout Session Co-Presenter(s)

Jamie Beck

Self-Advocate
Kim Dodson

Executive Director
The Arc of Indiana

Dan Stewart, Jamie Beck, and Kim Dodson will discuss the incredible journey that Jamie Beck took to achieve Supported Decision Making status, becoming the first person with an I/DD in Indiana to regain full capacity resulting in the termination of her guardianship. This session will offer guidance in replicating her accomplishments in any state. Dan and Jamie will discuss the details of her "journey" to obtain independence. Melissa Keys will share the types of legal support that her organization provided Jamie to complete this process. Participants will learn how they may duplicate this program in their community with the support of their state's Protection and Advocacy organization.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the legal process to assist a self-advocate in obtaining Supported Decision Making status
Use the Indiana Supported Decision Making legislation as a model in developing similar legislation in yourstate
Develop a list of potential road blocks and solutions that self-advocates may encounter in this process