This supported decision-making guide is written for people who provide assistance to others when making decisions in everyday life. It aims to provide:

• A framework for understanding the process of supported decision-making,

• A summary of its aims and principles and greater clarity regarding the role and responsibilities of decision supporters.

People have been helping others to make decisions for as long as time itself. So, what’s the big deal about supported decision-making? Isn’t it just about providing good decision support? And hasn’t that been happening for a long time?

Well yes and no! Assisting people to make choices and have control over their lives is something supporters of people with disability have been doing for a long time.