As with everyone, an increasing number of people with developmental disabilities are facing the complex issues of aging, often combined with serious health problems. Unfortunately, they have often not been given the necessary information and assistance to make informed medical choices or participate in their healthcare decisions to the fullest extent they are able.
In keeping with the concept of empowerment and self-determination, a coalition of representatives from six local service providers partnered to construct a relevant and useful response. The result was the “My Health-My Decision” module, along with an agency guide and workbook for participants.
In monitoring the MHMD project, we interviewed trainers and trainees, and learned that staff and family members could be a major barrier to application of skills introduced. Thus, a training module was developed to inform these crucial support groups about issues of consent and decision-making options.
This module (see link below) has been offered to hundreds of staff, with the result being a better prepared support for people with developmental disabilities as they exercise their options for choice and control in healthcare services.
