At the Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), we believe that every person has the right to make their own decisions—about their life, their care, and their future. This includes people with intellectual, developmental, and mental health disabilities. We are proud to be a core partner of the IDECIDE Georgia initiative, which works to advance Supported Decision-Making (SDM) as a tool for dignity, independence, and self-determination.
Supported Decision-Making is a way for people to get help making decisions without giving up their rights. Rather than someone else making decisions for them (like in guardianship), people can choose trusted supporters—such as friends, family members, or professionals—to help them understand their options, consider the consequences, and make informed choices.
At GAO, our commitment to SDM is reflected in every part of our advocacy:
- We promote alternatives to guardianship. We help people explore less restrictive options, including powers of attorney, advance directives, and SDM agreements, to stay in charge of their own lives.
- We use SDM in the process of restoring rights. For people who are under guardianship, we use Supported Decision-Making to demonstrate their ability to make decisions with support—strengthening their case for partial or full rights restoration.
- We educate and equip. We provide tools, training, resources, and advocacy to help people with disabilities and their supporters understand their rights and make informed decisions. We believe all people can be supported to make their will and preferences known.
- We follow and model. In every part of our work—from legal advocacy to self-advocacy coaching—we support people with disabilities to lead the process and make their own choices.
- We advocate for system change. We push for courts, service providers, schools, and policymakers to recognize and implement Supported Decision-Making as a valid and preferred alternative to guardianship.
- We support youth in transition. We help young people with disabilities and their families understand SDM and begin building decision-making skills early, so they are ready for adulthood.
GAO’s work through IDECIDE Georgia reflects our deep belief that decision-making is a human right. With the right support, everyone can have a say in how they live, work, and participate in their communities. We’re committed to a future where people with disabilities are recognized as capable decision-makers and have the support they need to thrive.