Adult Decision-Making

One of my goals for the blog is to spotlight tools, resources, or websites designed to empower individuals with disabilities as valuable members of our community. The first one I want to feature is a critical resource for everyone who knows and loves someone with a disability.

The Tennessee Center for Decision Making Support website will guide and inform individuals, families, and educators regarding the spectrum of legal options for individuals with disabilities as they reach the age of an adult. The focus is on balancing the need to ensure they become as independent as possible while still having adequate support. But the site is more than that. It is a guide to helping ensure we provide every opportunity for decisions, both good and bad ones, that most of us take for granted.

Adulting is hard, for anyone. As an adult, I make hundreds of thousands of decisions. For big decisions I often will research information or advice from experts, family, or friends, knowing the decision is mine to make. I have made some really good decisions, like starting this blog. I also made some really bad decisions with financial, emotional, or other consequences. In both situations, I was allowed to make the decision and learn from each and every mistake along the way.

 “I learn from my mistakes. It’s a very painful way to learn, but without pain, the old saying is, there’s no gain.” -Johnny Cash

Learning to make a choice is a refined skill requiring lots of practice. Children typically start practicing choice making as young toddlers when they choose a toy to play with, a favorite snack, or what to drink. As they grow they asl grow in their independence making increasingly complex choices and learning how to handle the consequences.

Individuals with cognitive disabilities need to practice making choices as well. By doing so, they will be ready for the difficult and natural experience of adulthood. Unfortunately, for many, the first time we ask them to make a choice with unlimited options is when we ask them about where they want to work or live.

The Tennessee Center for Decision Making Support can help. It is a wonderful resource for educators, family members, and friends. The site can guide the team through meaningful conversations driven by the individual with the disability. Together the team can leverage the individual’s strengths to build independence and plan for the support needed in other areas.  

Regardless of where you live, I encourage you to visit the Tennessee Center for Decision Making Support and begin your journey to informed empowerment.