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Helping with decision-making
1
Any organisation that works with people with an intellectual disability should make sure that people with intellectual disabilities are part of making decisions.
This shows that an organisation values and respects the ideas of self-advocates.
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For example, include people in:
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Big decisions by having board members with an intellectual disability
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Day to day decisions by having staff members with intellectual disabilities who take part in team meetings alongside other staff
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Decisions about services. For example, a service provider should make sure that the people with intellectual disabilities who use its services are part of deciding how a service is run and who is hired.
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2
Organisations must support people with intellectual disabilities to understand their choices.
The organisations must:
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provide information about the decision that needs to be made in an accessible way
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give time for people with intellectual disabilities to understand the choices and outcomes
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give people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to get feedback and talk about the decision with trusted people. For example, a support person or with a group of self-advocates.
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make sure that everyone can be part of the conversation when decisions are made by having inclusive meetings.
3
It may take people some time to feel comfortable and confident and understand that their ideas are important. Many people with intellectual disabilities may not have ever had a chance to say what they think.
Be patient and supportive.
As a person’s confidence grows, and they are listened to and respected they will take a fuller role.
