Supported Decision-Making Agreements

Supported Decision-Making Agreements are written agreements that helps empower individuals to make choices about their own lives protecting their rights and ensuring their own safety and privacy.  

These choices could be about where to live, what to do. This involves family and friends working together to help them make complex decisions

Who can use Supported Decision Making?

Anyone who wants help making decisions can use a Supported Decision-Making Agreement. You don’t need to be in guardianship to use one.

Supporters can help with:

• Housing
• Health care
• Education
• Relationships
• Finances

Supporters are chosen by you. They can be family, friends, co-workers, or service providers. You decide what kind of help you want.

Who makes the Decisions?

The person makes his or her own decisions. The supporter's job is only to help the person with the decision-making process. 

• Lists the areas where support is needed (e.g., health, money, housing)
• Names the trusted supporters chosen by the individual
• Describes how support will be provided (e.g., talking through options, explaining documents)
• Helps others (like doctors or banks) understand the person is making their own decisions — with support

Why is Supported Decision-Making Important

People under full guardianship lose the right to make personal decisions. Supported Decision-Making is a way to keep your rights, stay independent, and still get help when you need it.

You can:

• Make your own choices
• Set your own goals
• Stay in control of your life

Supported Decision-Making can be used by itself or with other tools, like power of attorney or medical advance directives.

How does it work?

Here’s how to start a Supported Decision-Making Agreement:

• Choose areas where you want help — like money, health, or housing.
• Pick supporters you trust.
• Talk about how they will help — explaining, reminding, or going to meetings with you.
• Fill out and sign an agreement with your supporters.
• Share your agreement with schools, doctors, or others so they know you are the decision-maker.

Need help? Call the State ADA Coordinator at 907-375-7716 for assistance.

Who can be a supporter?

Supporters are people you trust who help you make choices — not make them for you.

A supporter can be:

• A family member
• A friend
• A co-worker
• A mentor
• A past or current service provider

You can choose one or more supporters. It’s your choice.

What makes a good supporter?

Good supporters:

• Respect your choices
• Explain things clearly
• Listen without pressure
• Keep your info private
• Take time to help you

They may:

• Help you understand forms
• Talk through tough choices
• Go to meetings with you
• Help you communicate

But remember that you always make the final decision.

Support for Supporters

• Family Peer Support
• Your Story Matters
• Family Members and Caregivers
• Being an Effective Caregiver
• Family Caregiver Alliance

Need help understanding any of this? Call the ADA Coordinator at 907-375-7716.

Need help getting started? Contact the Disability Law Center for guidance.

Supported Decision-Making Agreements (SDMAs) are written documents that explain:

• What decisions you want help with (like housing or money)
• Who your supporters are
• How your supporters will help

These agreements let others know you’re the one making decisions, with support.

Helpful Resources:

• How to Make a Supported Decision-Making Agreement (ACLU)
• Step-by-Step Guide for Individuals & Families
• Agency Guide for Crafting SDMAs
• SDMA FAQs (Alaska)

Need an accommodation to access this info?
Call the State ADA Coordinator at 907-375-7716.

Once you have your agreement, share it with people who need to know you’re in charge:

You might share it with:

• Doctors and nurses
• School teams
• Banks
• Employers or job coaches
• Case managers or court staff

Bring a printed copy to meetings. Talk about it so others understand how to work with your supporters.

Supported Decision-Making Agreements (SDMAs) are legal documents that help people with disabilities make their own choices, with help from trusted supporters. Lawyers, paralegals, and trained advocates can help create these agreements using Alaska’s approved form (or a similar version).

Who can write an SDMA?

• Lawyers
• Paralegals
• Trained non-lawyer advocates

The person writing the SDMA should understand the legal effects of the agreement.

Alaska Legal Services

• Power of Attorney

American Bar Association

• The PRACTICAL Tool: For Lawyers

National Resource Center

The National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making has resources, publications, and a state-by-state guide to information on Supported Decision-Making.

• Practical Tools: User-friendly guides and toolkits to help older adults and people with disabilities exercise their Right to Make Choices. The material is divided into subjects like Guardianship, Education, and Health Care.
• Research Library: View research, reports, and other materials on supported decision-making and how it impacts individuals with disabilities.

Other Resources

• Dept. of Public Instruction: SDM Guide
• Representing Parties in Supported Decision-Making Agreements
• Senior Voice, A New Thing: Supported Decision-Making

Arc of Anchorage

• Government Benefits
  • Social Security and SSI for people with I/DD and their families.

Hands on Banking

• Personal Finance Guide
• Create your own Spending Guide

National Disability Institute

• Financial Wellness for people experiencing disabilities
  • Tax preparation information, social security and work, financial education toolkit.
• Lessons and activities for teachers
  • Resources can be modified for differentiated instruction.

Support for Supporters

• Family Peer Support
• Your Story Matters
• Family Members and Caregivers
• Family Caregiver Alliance

Other resources

• In My Voice
  • Sexual Self-Advocacy
• Dept. of Public Instruction: SDM Guide
• Representing Parties in Supported Decision-Making Agreements
• Senior Voice, A New Thing: Supported Decision-Making

People are less likely to face abuse, neglect, or exploitation when they can speak up and make their own choices. Having control builds confidence and helps reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

Teaching someone how to spot unsafe or abusive behavior is more helpful than always making choices for them.

No system is 100% safe, not even guardianship. But limiting someone’s rights out of fear can do more harm than good. It’s important to balance safety with independence and civil rights.

Yes. Supported Decision-Making Agreements (SDMAs) must be written on a specific form.

The form explains:

• What decisions the person wants help with
• Who their supporters are
• How they will give support

It also helps show others, like doctors or service providers, that the person is making their own decisions, even if they’re using help to do it.

No. Supported Decision-Making Agreements (SDMAs) do not need to be approved by a court.

Only guardianships require court approval. SDMAs are valid as long as they’re properly completed and signed.

As more people use SDMAs, judges may look at them as a safer, less restrictive option than guardianship when it fits the person’s needs.