New resource a go-to for supported decision-making
The new digital resource about how to support people to make decisions – large and small – without taking over, was launched today.
Speaking at the event chief executive of Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha, Paula Tesoriero said, "Supported decision-making is about assisting disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori to make their own decisions – rather than making decisions for them.
Peoples’ ability to make decisions can be affected by many things including brain injury, dementia, learning disabilities, mental distress and neurodiversity.
Sponsored by the Ministry, Whaimana – Support my Decisions external URL has resources, ideas and examples to help decision-makers, family, whānau and friends, carers, paid supporters, advocates and service providers to practice supported decision-making. The launch was attended by the Minister for Disability Issues, Louise Upston.
“In the past, decisions have been made for many disabled people, rather than by or with disabled people. This is about working with people to make sure they have the information they need, in the right way.
“We want a New Zealand where disabled people are thriving. Collaboration is key and we will work alongside the community to create better outcomes,” says Paula Tesoriero.
Whaimana has been developed with an advisory group of disabled people, people with lived experience and representatives from ministries, organisations and agencies working across aged care, disability advocacy, health, human rights and mental health.
“From day one this project has been about getting everyone on the same page about what supported decision-making is, why it is important, and how to get started,” says Erika Butters, chair of the advisory group and strategic advisor to The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust (PASAT).
“We’re confident Whaimana achieves this, and we’re thrilled to share it with the community and put it to good use.”
Whaimana includes guides on topics ranging from how to choose the right supporter for decision-making, to gathering information, to considering what is important to the decision-maker, through to making the decision. Real-life examples range from supporting a friend to decide whether to have a medical operation through to supporting a person using residential services to select their meals.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities protects the rights of disabled people including the freedom to make choices, and to be supported in this endeavour.
The report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care also recognised that Deaf people, disabled people and people in mental distress need to be involved in the decisions that affect them.
Notes to editors
The organisations in the advisory group are: Age Concern, Alzheimers NZ, Aotearoa Disability Law, Complex Care Group, Donald Beasley Institute, DPO Coalition, IHC, Mental Health Foundation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Down Syndrome Association, NZ Dementia Foundation, Office for Seniors, Office of the Ombudsman, People First, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission, Te Roopu Taurima, Taikura Trust, The Health Quality and Safety Commission, The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust (PASAT), Vida Law.