Supporting Decision-Making for People with Intellectual Disability

Every person has the right to make decisions about their own life—big and small. But for people with intellectual disability, this right is often overlooked or overridden in the name of safety or convenience.

Supported decision-making is about helping someone understand, consider, and express their choices, without taking those choices away.

What Is Supported Decision-Making?

Supported decision-making means:

• Explaining options in a way the person can understand

• Giving extra time to process or respond

• Using visual aids or simplified language

• Involving trusted people if the person wants help

• Respecting the decision, even if you don’t agree

It does not mean:

• Making the decision for them

• Choosing the “safest” option by default

• Only offering choices that are easy for the support worker

Practical Examples

• Instead of: “We’re going to the park.”

  Try: “Would you like to go to the park or stay home today?” (Show photos if needed)

• Instead of: “This is the only lunch option.”

  Try: “You can choose between two lunch ideas—what sounds good to you?”

Supported decision-making honours the fact that everyone learns and communicates differently—and that dignity includes the right to try, succeed, or make mistakes.

Real Inclusion Means Real Choices

Whether it’s choosing clothes, selecting a support worker, or deciding where to live—people with intellectual disability have the right to lead their lives on their own terms. Support doesn’t mean taking away power. It means helping someone use their voice in whatever way they can.