The project is based on historical evidence that, according to the release, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been personally affected by others’ low expectations about their decision-making capabilities. These low expectations of people with disabilities in “substituted decision-making frameworks,” such as guardianship, often diminish their self-determination and lead to devalued life outcomes, such as less community integration, according to the release.
“This exciting project will provide new knowledge about the ways that individual decision making positively impacts life outcomes,” said BBI Chairman and University Professor Peter Blanck in the release.
The project will involve an experimental model to examine whether training individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those close to them to use a specific, supported decision-making approach actually has a positive impact on their life satisfaction, integration in community living and daily life outcomes, according to the release.