Affiliations: Legal Director, Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, Project Director, National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making, Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, USA
Correspondence:
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Correspondence to: Jonathan G. Martinis, Legal Director, Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, Project Director, National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20008, USA. Tel.: +1 202 448 1450; Fax: +1 202 448 1451; [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research has consistently shown that self-determination, a person’s authority and opportunity to make life choices, is a key element for a meaningful and independent life. Nevertheless, many young adults with disabilities are placed in overbroad or undue guardianships – guardianships imposed on people who have the capacity to make their own decisions or who can use less-restrictive alternatives to guardianship – denying them their right to make fundamental choices about where they live, what they do, and with whom they interact. OBJECTIVE: This article gives an overview of the negative implications of overbroad or undue guardianship, the benefits of self-determination, and ways Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) supports and services can provide employment-based education and training to help young adults with disabilities develop and demonstrate self-determination, gain independent living skills, and overcome any perceived need for guardianship. CONCLUSION: People with disabilities who are encouraged and supported to make their own decisions are better employed at higher salaries and more independent. VR supports and services focused on employment-based self-determination and independent living skills can empower young adults with disabilities.
