Supported Decision-Making for Transition-Age Students
As students enter high school, they focus on what they are going to do next, whether it's college, trade school, or work. Students with disabilities are thinking about the same things.
Since a disability can sometimes cause challenges in these next steps, preparation through school transition planning is key to successfully helping students with disabilities to become young adults who live independently and achieve their goals.
A new Texas law passed in the last legislative session ensures that transition planning has all the elements necessary to fully enable a young person with a disability to be ready for adulthood, including the development of decision-making skills. Starting this school year, schools are required to share information about alternatives to guardianship including supported decision-making.
Guardianship removes most if not all of a person's legal rights. With supported decision-making, a person with a disability keeps her rights and selects a supporter to help her navigate life choices.
Some parents are told or think they need to obtain guardianship of their children when they turn 18, but many students with disabilities can live successfully with support from a trusted person.
If your student is receiving transition services, make sure the school is providing information on supported decision-making and other alternatives to guardianship.
