Exploring Alternatives to Guardianship

Need a quick way to explain adult supports and decision making to students and families? Last spring Mackenzie Jones, a graduate assistant with the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, created a video that does just that.

Before a student turns 18, parents or primary caregivers should be investigating options for how that young adult will make decisions about health care, finances, work, school, where they’ll live, who they’ll live with, how they save and spend their money, and virtually every aspect of their developing adult lives. With new legislation passed last year in Indiana, students and their families have a range of choices to explore, including the newer, less restrictive option for Supported Decision Making.

This not-quite-10-minute video explains the spectrum of support in Indiana. It also features Adria Nassim, who works with us here at the Institute and the Center on Community Living and Careers. In the video, Adria talks about how she relies on a diverse set of supports to live and work in the community. Seeing how someone “makes it work” could be insightful for transitioning students and family members.

Check out Transitioning from Adolescence: Alternatives to Guardianship, and share the link or screen it at your next parent information night!