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Glossary
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Term & Definition
Active(ly) listening
Listening with the intent of hearing and understanding what another person is saying. Active listening is not a passive process. It requires attention and concentration.
Advocate(s)
Someone who supports or represents a person (with their consent). Generally, the person being represented is someone who is considered vulnerable. Advocates enable the voices of the people they support to be heard.
Associated decision(s)
Some large decisions need to be broken down into smaller decisions in order to be enacted. These smaller decisions are called associated decisions. Fulfilling associated decisions means that the overarching decision is more likely to be achieved.
Autonomy
Exercising choice and making decisions about aspects of your own life. Making choices and exercising autonomy depends on the support people receive and having a range of experiences to choose from.
Choice(s)
Expression of a preference or preferences from a range of options. Choice enables people to have control over their own life.
Constraint(s)
Factors that can limit the decision or narrow the options available to the person. Examples include: money, time, travel.
Cultural norms
Beliefs or behaviours that are shared and considered “normal” among a group of people from the same community. For example, being respectful towards elders is considered an appropriate norm in many cultures.
Dynamic
Constantly changing, developing or progressing. Not fixed.
Enable(s)(d)(ment)
To make something possible. In disability support work, it means to supporting people with cognitive disabilities in ways that create opportunities for them so that they are enabled to undertake meaningful experiences.
Engaged(ment)
To actively participate in some form of meaningful activity or in social interaction. This can range from household tasks, hobbies, leisure pursuits, exercise, social activities and social relationships.
Influence(s)
Factors that may contain the decision. Influences therefore help to shape the decision. For example, available resources are an example of one influence that will shape or alter the decision.
Orchestration
One of the Principles in the La Trobe Support for Decision Making Practice Framework. The primary supporter will orchestrate or coordinate people with appropriate skills, at a particular time and for a particular duration in order for a decision to be implemented.
Overarching decision
The main or primary decision which the person wants to achieve. It is made up of smaller associated decisions.
Preference(s)
A person's choice(s). So that they have control over their own life.
Scope
The type of impact the decision is likely to have on the person’s life and other decisions that might flow on from it.
Self-generated decision
A decision that the person makes themselves. They act on their own behalf based on their will, preferences and rights.
Self-identity/Self-concept
How the person sees themselves and who they are.
Shared decision
A type of decision where the supporter undertakes the actions informed by the person. The supporter acts as though they are in the person’s shoes.
Substitute decision
A type of decision that is either moderated informally by supporters or made by a formally appointed guardian or advocate. Substitute decisions are generally required when there is conflict in the support provided for decision making, and when there is a risk of anticipated harm to the person or others.
Support for decision making
A way of providing support to people with cognitive disabilities to make decisions. Everyone has a right to make decisions. People with cognitive disability need ongoing support to make decisions.
The 4 Essentials of Risk Enablement
The 4 Essential items that need to be considered when assisting a person with cognitive disability to take risks. The full-length Risk Enablement online training resource can be accessed here.
Unconditional positive regard
Maintaining a commitment to support the person throughout the decision making process. The support provided must be consistent with the person’s beliefs and/or values and not your own beliefs and/or values.
Value(s)
A person’s beliefs that guide the way they think, act and talk. A person’s values will guide their behaviour.
This glossary has been adapted from the following sources:
Bigby, C., Douglas, J. (2015). Support for decision making – A practice framework. Melbourne, Australia. La Trobe University, Living with Disability Research Centre.
Bigby, C., Douglas, J., Vassallo, S. (2018). Enabling Risk: Putting Positives First. An online learning resource for disability support workers. Retrieved from www.enablingriskresource.com.au
Greystanes Disability Services, La Trobe University. (2015). Every Moment has Potential – An introduction to person centred active support. Retrieved from www.activesupportresource.net.au
Bigby, C., Douglas, J. (2015). Support for decision making – A practice framework. Melbourne, Australia. La Trobe University, Living with Disability Research Centre.
Bigby, C., Douglas, J., Vassallo, S. (2018). Enabling Risk: Putting Positives First. An online learning resource for disability support workers. Retrieved from www.enablingriskresource.com.au
Greystanes Disability Services, La Trobe University. (2015). Every Moment has Potential – An introduction to person centred active support. Retrieved from www.activesupportresource.net.au
