The La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework Learning Resource
  • ABOUT
    • Full Credits
  • Module 1
  • Module 2
  • Module 3
    • Step 1: Knowing the person
    • Step 2: Identifying & describing the decision
    • Step 3: Understanding the person's will & preferences for the decision
    • Step 4: Refining the decision & taking account of constraints
    • Step 5: Consider if a formal process is needed
    • Step 6: Reaching the decision & associated decisions
    • Step 7: Implementing the decision & seeking advocates if necessary
  • Module 4
  • Module 5
    • Attention to communication
    • Education about consequences and practicalities
    • Listening and engaging to ensure all options are considered
    • Creating opportunities
    • Breaking things down
    • Enabling risk
  • Module 6
  • Resources
  • Contact
Picture
Picture

Module 6

Bringing it all together
You have now worked through each of the Framework's components - the Steps, Principles and Strategies. Using a case scenario about Tanya, this module will provide an example of how all the pieces of the Framework can be used together.
Case Scenario: ​Tanya has decided that she wants to go on a date.
Using Tanya's scenario, all of your learning about the Framework will be brought together and summarised in this module.
​In this module, you will be reminded that:
  • The Principles and Strategies are intertwined with every Step in the Framework
  • Decision making is shared between the person and those who support them
  • Continuing support should be provided for new and consequential decisions. 

Case Scenario: Tanya's Date

This case scenario is presented in 3 parts.

Part 1: Tanya is a 30-year old female with mild traumatic brain injury. She enjoys going to the gym, and attends at least twice a week with her support worker. On this particular day, she meets someone new at the gym. 
Watch this video which further introduces this scenario, then read on.

Part 2: ​Tanya is noticeably excited that Jason has asked her to meet up with him sometime. When she returns home her supporters, her mother and her support worker, discuss her encounter. 
Watch this video which shows Tanya's supporters having a discussion, then read on.

Part 3: ​Tanya’s supporters feel conflicted about Tanya meeting up with someone. They decide that the way forward is to sit down and talk it out with Tanya.  
Watch the video which shows the discussion between Tanya, her mother and support worker about her wanting to go on a date, then read on.

The Support for Decision Making Checklist

Using the Support for Decision Making Checklist will enable you to understand how the Framework has been applied to support Tanya's decision. Tanya's checklist has been completed for you as an example of how this checklist can be used. Access it via the Resources section.

A blank checklist is also provided for you in the Resources section. You can use this in your own work.

Picture

ACTIVITY 6: Reflecting Upon My Decision Making Support

Read the questions then write your answer in the downloadable workbook located in the Resources section.
​

Think about someone with a cognitive disability who you have supported to make a decision then answer the questions below. 
  1. With this scenario in mind complete the Support for Decision Making Checklist. (Note: You can follow Tanya’s example provided in this Module).
  2. Thinking about the decision-making support you provided for this person, is there anything you would do differently next time?

Closing Comments

You have now learnt how to use the La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework to support people with cognitive disabilities.

The Framework guides you through the Steps of decision making support, while the Principles inform all of your Strategies. The Framework is dynamic – you can go forwards or backwards through the Steps. It has also been designed to enable decision making support to be tailored to the person and their situation.
​
Through ongoing reflection and by applying what you have learnt from this online resource, you will enable people with cognitive disabilities to participate in making their own decisions. 

Summary Module 6

This Module has highlighted that you should:
  • Tailor the support to the person and their situation
  • Maintain positive expectations
  • Always keep the person’s preference at the heart of decision making.
back to top
Picture
​The La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework has been developed by La Trobe University Living with Disability Research Centre and supported with funding from the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS). 

The purpose of this website is to provide an evidence-based source of reference for those supporting people with developmental or acquired disabilities to make decisions.
Creative Commons License
CC-BY-SA
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
A suggested way to cite this resource:
Bigby, C., Douglas, J., & Vassallo, S. (2019). The La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework. An online learning resource. Retrieved from: www.supportfordecisionmakingresource.com.au
  • ABOUT
    • Full Credits
  • Module 1
  • Module 2
  • Module 3
    • Step 1: Knowing the person
    • Step 2: Identifying & describing the decision
    • Step 3: Understanding the person's will & preferences for the decision
    • Step 4: Refining the decision & taking account of constraints
    • Step 5: Consider if a formal process is needed
    • Step 6: Reaching the decision & associated decisions
    • Step 7: Implementing the decision & seeking advocates if necessary
  • Module 4
  • Module 5
    • Attention to communication
    • Education about consequences and practicalities
    • Listening and engaging to ensure all options are considered
    • Creating opportunities
    • Breaking things down
    • Enabling risk
  • Module 6
  • Resources
  • Contact