New resource supports people with Down syndrome in decision making

Created by Down Syndrome Australia, Supporting decision making and Down syndrome is a free, downloadable resource intended to help people with disability feel confident and in control when making decisions that affect them.

Chief Executive Officer of Down Syndrome Australia Dr Ellen Skladzien says making decisions that affect your own life is an important human right.

“Having the freedom to make your own decisions is part of becoming an adult. It makes you feel confident, capable and trustworthy.

Ms Skladzien says people with disability are often not allowed to make a lot of their own decisions.

“This usually happens because someone else takes on the role to protect the person with disability from the consequences of poor choices. This can start from a very young age.

“Young people with intellectual disability, in particular, are often not supported to learn from the consequences of their decisions because families work hard to keep them safe. Then as they get older, they may not have the same chances as their peers and siblings to start making their own decisions.

“Down Syndrome Australia developed this resource, Supported decision making and Down syndrome, to provide suggestions and advice on how to support people with Down syndrome to be involved in decision-making.”

Supporting decision making and Down syndrome is available to read and download here.