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Interactive Workshop

Disability Issues

Implementing Supported Decision Making in Social Work Practice

Supported Decision Making (SDM) is a less restrictive alternative to conservatorship, allowing people with cognitive disabilities to retain their rights while receiving support. This workshop explores SDM’s alignment with social work values, legal recognition, and practical implementation. Participants will learn how to use SDM agreements in practice and educate others.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
  1. Understand Supported Decision Making (SDM), how it applies to social work practice and education, and describe how SDM aligns with social work values, ethics, and conceptual frameworks.
  2. Facilitate conversations about decision-making plans with clients with cognitive disabilities and their families.
  3. Share accurate information about SDM with students, colleagues, and clients that challenges common myths and misconceptions.