Supported Decision Making and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Freya Pedersen is a 23-year-old with a developmental disability. The surgeon is discussing an upcoming surgery with Freya and her parents. Freya tries to express herself, but it is hard to understand her speech. The surgeon is in a rush and just hands the consent form to Freya’s mother for a signature. You are the next member of the team to talk to Freya and have witnessed this interaction.
Discussion:
- What are the ethics concerns raised here?
- How do you start the conversation with Freya?
- How might you prepare for the next appointment with Freya?
Resources:
- Tim Stainton (2016) Supported decision-making in Canada: principles, policy, and practice. Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 3:1, 1-11 Supported decision-making in Canada: principles, policy, and practice
- Center for Public Representation. Supported decision making pilot project. Supported Decision Making Pilot Project
- Lotan, G. and Ells. C. (2010). Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and participation in decision making: Ethical considerations for professional–client practice. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Vol 49. No.2, p. 112-125 Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Participation in Decision Making
