Dominion Care Self-Advocacy Resource Library

Our goal for this library is to create an environment where people are supported to make informed decisions and feel empowered to start conversations about their rights.

This content is designed for adults with disabilities, their family members, caregivers, service providers, and the general community to gain knowledge about various support options.

If you have questions or would like support using a resource on this site, please contact us at advocacy@dominion.care

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Self-Advocacy as a Concept

Understood.org describes self-advocacy has having three key elements:

• Understanding your needs
• Knowing what kind of support might help
• Communicating these needs to others

Disability Law Center of Virginia:

• Self-Advocacy Videos
• Portal to File a Complaint

Jenny Hatch Justice Project:

• “A New Paradigm for Protecting Autonomy and the Right to Legal Capacity” by Michael Bach and Lana Kerzner

The Arc of Virginia:

• “100 Ways to Use Supported Decision Making” (PDF)

 

Supported Decision-Making Agreements

Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is a tool that allows people with disabilities to retain their decision-making capacity by choosing supporters to help them make choices.

Disability Law Center of Virginia:

• Supported Decision Making Videos
• Frequently Asked Questions and Resources

American Civil Liberty Union:

• Fillable Guide on “When Do I Want Support?” (PDF)

The Arc of Virginia:

• “Supported Decision Making: An Introduction” (PDF)

 

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that a person can use to choose a trusted friend or family member to make some choices on their behalf. There are different types of POA which determines which types of decisions they can make such as medical, durable, and general POA.

Learning Disabilities Association of America:

• “Power of Attorney-Do You Need One?”

 

Guardianship

The National Guardianship Association and Virginia law both say that the “least restrictive alternatives” should be tried before anyone pursues legal guardianship. If someone really needs more support, then guardianship may be appropriate, but you can still preserve rights under guardianship based upon the person’s abilities and wishes.

Got Transition Staff with Tina Camoanella with Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities:

• “Guardianship and Alternatives for Decision-Making Support” (PDF)

The Arc:

• “Supported Decision Making with Guardianship” (PDF)
• “Less Restrictive Options: Guardianship”
• Guardianship Presentation – 2019 (video)

 

Representative Payee

Social Security may decide when someone needs a payee. Representative Payees provide help in managing money and meeting current needs.

Disability Law Center of Virginia:

• Overview, Frequently Asked Questions and Resources

The Arc of Virginia: Financial Planning

• Guardianship, Trusts, ABLE Accounts

 

Additional Rights for People with Disabilities

Home and Community Based Services:

• Provider Toolkit – HCBS

Disability Law Center of Virginia:

• Court Room Accommodations

 

Printable PDF’s

• Definitions Regarding Supported Decision Making

Roles of People Involved in Disability Rights

 

If you have questions or would like support using a resource on this site, please contact us at advocacy@dominion.care

 

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The resources on this website are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as legal advice on any subject matter. The information on this website should not prevent you from seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. The information on this website is general information posted in 2022 and might not reflect current legal decisions, developments, laws, or settlements. Dominion Care disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken, or not taken, based on any or all of the contents on this website.