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Choice ⁽⁹⁾

• Does this mean a person with disability can choose anything they want?

  It’s important to remember that all our decisions are influenced by practical constraints, social norms, and laws. Not all decisions are possible and not all wants are funded by DSP. For example, someone may want to go on a trip around the world. That’s not for DSP to pay for, but maybe DSP can help set up a savings account to help that person realize their dream. 

• As a DSP participant, what if I make mistakes?

  We all make mistakes. They provide an opportunity for learning and growth. Making a poor decision shouldn’t mean you aren’t allowed to make decisions ever again. We are all allowed the dignity of risk. We also don’t have to make decisions that other people like. You are unique and so are your decisions. 

• How will individuals be supported to make informed choices if they have never done so before?

  Individuals who aren’t used to making their own decisions may need time and support to see what is possible. Part of their planning process with an LAC or IPSC might include opportunities to learn and experience new things. Change can sometimes feel scary, but the Remedy includes a network of supports along the way. The planning process can be gradual and is ongoing, not set in stone. It can start with small simple steps as part of building the bigger plan of life in community. 

• How do we know if someone has capacity to make decisions?

  The starting point in Nova Scotia is that every person is presumed to have capacity to make decisions for themselves. Capacity refers to a person’s ability to understand information about a decision and about how it will impact their life. This might look different for everyone, and support can be given to help a person understand information and to express their thoughts and feelings in a way that works for them.

  The Remedy talks about how important it is that people with disabilities have choice and control over their lives and that means planning for a person to have what they need to communicate what they want, and to have the support to reach their idea of a good life in community.

• What does Supported Decision Making look like in practice?

  Supported Decision Making takes many forms. It could include:

  • Access to plain language resources (documents, websites, etc.).
  • Helping an individual work through a decision to understand what should be considered and what likely outcomes will be.
  • Support to articulate themselves ,verbally and/or non-verbally, in ways that are understood by others. (Communication support)
  • Intensive supported decision-making circles or networks where a group of individuals who are known to and trusted by the individual are relied on to articulate the individual’s likes/dislikes/preferences. 
     

• What safeguards or measures can make sure the individual’s choices are being supported – not the choice of parents or service providers?

  The choice of the individual is paramount. LACs and IPSCs will have an essential role in planning to ensure the decisions an individual is making reflect their interests, not those of people around them. For many people with more intensive support needs, families may be scared or protective and want to choose options that feel safe to them. Often the vision of what is possible has been restricted by what has been provided. Most families have only been offered–or even expected–to make segregated choices for their family member with disability. Families may need support to re-imagine an inclusive life for their family member with disability. 

• How will DCS/DSP make sure participants are fully included in the community?

  Community development is a key component of the Remedy. Many aspects of the Remedy – including Local Area Coordination and leadership training for culture change, visioning and capability to shift mindsets to inclusion – focus on strengthening communities and existing community facilities to be welcoming and inclusive. Additionally, safeguards and monitoring will be enhanced with improved staffing ratios.

• How will community organizations be supported to serve more people in community?

  Community organizations, in particular Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (ODPs), are implementation partners. Collaboration and coordination with community organizations is essential to the success of the Remedy. The Remedy secures dedicated innovation funds for Regional Hubs as well as funds for peer and technical support. The parameters of these are in development. 

• How will the Remedy ensure choice for people with disabilities across Nova Scotia – including smaller and rural communities?

  The Remedy is designed to support individuals to find housing and support in their community of choice. Whether urban or rural, the Remedy has the necessary elements to support individuals to build a life where they choose. Through the Local Area Coordination approach and new Regional Hubs, the Remedy will strengthen a locally focused response to planning. Local Area Coordinators will be knowledgeable of their local area and deeply connected to the community. These local teams will work on developing solutions, like availability of “typical” housing stock, along with providing planning support to individuals. Regional Advisory Councils will provide guidance on and help develop solutions at a community level, and they will have access to funding to address the unique challenges in their area.