Senate Passes Bill Supporting Adults with a Developmental Disability

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 35 which recognizes Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship for adults with a developmental disability. Senator Huffman (R-Tipp City) voted in support of this legislation.

"Needing assistance to make a decision is not equal to being unable to make a decision," said Senator Huffman. "Providing support and guardrails to assist those who have a developmental disability allows these Ohioans the freedom of agency. I'm proud to support this legislation and look forward to seeing its positive effect."

Senate Bill 35 establishes in Ohio law that all adults with development disabilities are presumed capable of making decisions about their lives and activities of daily living and are competent to handle their own affairs, unless otherwise determined by a court.

Supported Decision-Making is the process of supporting and accommodating an adult with a developmental disability who is making, communicating, or implementing the adult’s own life decisions without impeding the adult’s self-determination. A written supported decision-making plan must be signed and acknowledged by the principal voluntarily, without coercion or undue influence.

The bill also requires the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to create a standard written Supported Decision-Making plan that can be used by a principal and one or more supporters.

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