Status & Outcomes

Supportive decision making is a significant change for the disabilities sector, and DANS members are preparing for the transition from facility-based to community-based living. The membership is supportive of this shift, but each member is at a different stage of implementation. There may be limits to supportive decision-making, especially for participants with complex needs.

DANS is seeking research support to develop an evidence-based education toolkit to embed supportive decision making in the sector. The toolkit will target employees and participants to advocate for this cultural shift. Researchers will conduct a literature review, develop an education toolkit, and use arts like applied theatre to engage stakeholders. The short-term outcome is an education toolkit for operationalizing supportive decision making, while the long-term outcome is a culture change to support participant choice and autonomy in DANS organizations.