We serve adults with disabilities by working to eliminate barriers to exercising autonomy and promote practices and policies that allow for enhanced independence and self-determination.
Supported Decision Making (aka The Dustin Gary Act)
Supported decision-making (SDM) is often defined as supports and services that help an adult with a disability make his or her own decisions by relying on trusted friends, family members, professionals, and others. The legislation for SDM was passed in August 2020 and may be found in Louisiana Revised Statute 13:4261.101 through 4261.302. The passage of SDM also amended the interdiction law to add a requirement to show that less restrictive options were considered and tried and failed before filing for an interdiction. The purpose of SDM is to allow the individual to retain autonomy while receiving supports in areas that the individual feels are needed. SDM is a less restrictive alternative to interdiction!
A SDM Agreement should contain the name, address, and phone number of at least one supporter; a description of the decision making assistance that each supporter will provide to the individual; signatures of both the adult with a disability and the supporter(s); and a description of how multiple supporters will work together if there is more than one person.
For more information please visit the National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making and the Arc U.S.
The Arc also has a mentoring program to assist with the creation of a SDM plan and initial stages of enacting an agreement.
To view and download our publication, “Alternatives to Legal Status Changes: Supported Decision Making (SDM)” use this link: https://disabilityrightsla.org/resources/alternatives-to-legal-status-changes-supported-decision-making-sdm/
For a list of past and upcoming training events on Supported Decision Making presented by DRLA Managing Attorney, Melanie Bray, and Ashley McReynolds from The Arc of Louisiana, visit this link: https://disabilityrightsla.org/resources/alternatives-to-legal-status-changes-supported-decision-making-sdm/
Legal
Your issue may be opened as a case, or you may receive information/referral sources to help solve your issue.
Read more information about which cases we can and cannot take. Read OUR LEGAL FAQS
Programs
SILAP
The Supported Independent Living Advocacy Program (SILAP) helps adults with developmental disabilities receiving Medicaid waiver services obtain supports in order to live in their homes, in the community. Read more ABOUT SILAP
Publications
Alternatives to Legal Status Changes: Supported Decision Making (SDM)
DRLA Supported Independent Living Advocacy Program (SILAP)
