This training will focus on alternatives to guardianship such as supported decision-making and supports and services which could be utilized to avoid the necessity of a guardianship. To prepare students with disabilities for supported decision-making and other alternatives to guardianship, educational programs must be developed to help students maximize their self-determination and engage in meaningful decision-making. The presentation will include:
1) An overview of guardianship reforms in Texas and nationally, self-determination and supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship including the means to avoid the necessity of obtaining a guardianship for persons with disabilities and its ability to enhance the self-determination and independence of persons with disabilities; 2) The necessity of developing individual education plans designed to train students with disabilities on self-determination and decision-making as part of transition services; and 3) Recommendations on how alternatives to guardianship can be incorporated into transition planning including access to supports and services.
