On June 7, 2022, the New York State Senate passed S7107B, a bill creating a new mental hygiene law that would establish supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities who need assistance in making decisions for themselves. The measure now awaits signing by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Supported decision-making is fundamentally different from guardianship. It does not impede people’s right to self-determination, but instead creates a process of education and facilitation toward the creation of Supported Decision-Making Agreements between trusted supporters and people with intellectual, developmental, psychosocial, or cognitive disabilities.
Read Ruth Finkelstein’s letter of support here.
