T
he Coalition for Supported Decision-Making will host an interactive workshop on Tuesday, May 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Benevolent Irish Society Hall, 582 North River Rd in Charlottetown.
Joanne Taylor, Executive Director of the Nidus Centre for Personal Planning in British Columbia, will be our guest. Joanne has helped hundreds of individuals design their own supported decision-making agreements.
Supported Decision-Making recognizes that most people with any kind of cognitive impairment want to stay in control of their decisions even though they may need the support of trusted friends. A written agreement between individuals and their supporters can set out what kinds of decisions the individual needs help with and who will provide that help. Supported Decision-Making builds and strengthens relationships and creates community. It is about equality and dignity.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities requires that governments provide supports for adults with disabilities to stay in control of decision-making. In a few Canadian Provinces these agreements are recognized in law. Prince Edward Island is moving in that direction.
Anyone who thinks they may benefit from supported decision making is welcome to attend the workshop, as well as friends and family members who might become a supporter in an agreement. Please register in advance on Eventbrite. For more information please call Ann at 902.894.4573 or email ann@cooperinstitute.ca.
This is a free event, and lunch will be provided.
Members of the Coalition for Supported Decision-Making include the PEI Council for People with Disabilities, Seniors United Network, the Alzheimer Society, Stars for Life, PEI Autism Society, PEI Association for Community Living, Cooper Institute, PEI Citizen Advocacy and PEI People First, Special Olympics PEI and the Brain Injury Association.