1. DECISION MAKING RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

2. Mayor Bowser introduced new legislation that has significant implications for people with disabilities. DC is the only jurisdiction in the United States that still practices civil commitment. DDS is seeking to end this archaic process and give people with ID greater independence in decision-making. What to expect?

3. Two major parts: Ends new civil commitments. Creates a supported Decision-making agreement. LEGISLATION B21-0385, the “Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities Civil Rights Restoration Act.”

4. People with a moderate to profound intellectual disability seek certain residential services. DDS alerts the court. A hearing is held. If the person has a moderate to profound intellectual disability, they are usually committed i.e. an attorney is appointed to make decisions for the person. ENDING COMMITMENT How the system currently works

5. Court takes over important decision- making rights of the person, such as: Where they can live and with whom, Whether they can have a job and if so, what job, How they spend their money, Once committed, the person has to attend a hearing every year etc. Source: Community Justice Project at Georgetown Law

6. Parents, families, and people with intellectual disabilities have limited say in what is best for them. A person who is committed loses their decision-making rights. Source: Community Justice Project at Georgetown Law

7. ENDING COMMITMENT If passed, this bill will restore civil rights of people with intellectual disabilities so that civil commitment is no longer required in order to receive residential services. Ends new civil commitments of people with intellectual disabilities. Terminates existing commitments unless the person or his or her decision maker opts in to continue commitment.

8. SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING What is Supported decision-making? Supported decision-making is a less restrictive alternative to guardianship where people with ID choose friends, family members, and professionals to help them understand the situation and choices they face, so they may make their own decisions without the need for a guardian. Source: National Supported decision-making resource center www.supporteddecisionmaking.org

9. This legislation creates a Supported Decision-Making Agreement whereby unpaid supporters may help a person with disability to gather, understand and consider relevant information about the decision in question. How can a person opt for supported decision- making? SUPPORTED DECISION- MAKING

10. Assist the person to weigh the pros and cons of a decision. Predict likely outcomes and consequences. Evaluate alternatives and options Interpret technical information What is the role of a supported decision-maker?

11. Guardians are appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of the person. A supported decision-maker is chosen by the person and provides support in order for a person to make decisions for his or her life. Alternative to guardianship

12. Bill 21-0385 was introduced before the DC Council. A hearing will is scheduled for public input on the legislation – January 27, 2016 at 11 AM in Room 412, JWB. The selected committees will consider the legislation and may vote to move it forward. If it passes, the bill will be ratified by the Congress and become law. Next steps

13. SUMMARY As currently written, people have the option to provide informed consent that they wish to continue their civil commitments to the court within 90 days after the bill becomes law.

14. Provide basic information. Refer questions to SODA. Explain the process. What is your role?

15. Participate in the legislative process and express their views. Self advocate. Visit www.dds.dc.gov to view the advocacy guidewww.dds.dc.gov Do: YOUR ROLE

16. Erin Leveton, Program Manager erin.leveton@dc.gov Omonigho Ufomata omonigho.ufomata@dc.gov CONTACT

17. QUESTIONS?