Many people think that guardianship is the best way to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) make important decisions, but the truth is that guardianship is often not necessary. In fact, Washington state’s guardianship law requires considering alternatives to guardianship first.
Guardianship takes away the rights of people with IDD and can make it harder for your loved one to make important life decisions. Guardianship alternatives, including Supported Decision Making, can provide a safety net of support while still ensuring rights are protected.
Learn more about Supported Decision-Making (SDM), an alternative to guardianship, that allows individuals with disabilities to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people they choose.
Guardianship removes the rights of people with disabilities.