Step 4Refining the decision and taking account of constraints
'Refining the decision and taking account of constraints' is Step 4 in the Framework. The step requires you to determine what needs to be considered to put the decision into practice. If there are constraints, some refinement of the decision might be required to get past these.
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This talk video is an introduction to Step 4.
Constraints Surrounding a Decision
Constraints, or matters that can limit the decision or narrow the options available to the person, will vary depending upon the decision and the context.
Some constraints include:
- Time: when time is limited decisions can be made in haste without properly considering the person’s preferences. You might need to think about slowing the process down and taking more time to consider the decision so that opportunities are not limited. As we have already discussed it can take a long time to get to know a person well. Particularly for people who do not communicate using words more time will be required to properly understand their preference for the decision.
- Resources: this includes access to money, people or items needed to carry out a decision. For example, needing to adapt equipment so that the person can use the blender when they attend a cookery class.
- Impact on others: consider how the decision will affect others. Taking a job that means you have to get up very early to travel to work might disrupt others living in the same house; deciding to become a parent may affect other family members in terms of expectations about the type of support they might provide.
- Supporter attitudes: it is important to maintain positive expectations of the support for decision making process. Negative attitudes can diminish a person’s preference and unnecessarily constrain a decision. This might include deterring someone you support from going to the pub with friends because you do not believe alcohol consumption is good for one’s health.
- Geographical: relates to location which will be a factor when someone is deciding where they would like to live. Would they like to live near their family, friends and close to restaurants?
- Physical spaces and architectural designs: equipment or living areas might need to be modified in design. Do you need to consider whether the kitchen bench is too high or is the building not easily accessed by someone in a wheelchair?
- Policy and procedures: can affect or slow down a decision. Does policy prevent changes to a physical space? Does a procedure need to be reviewed for a decision to be carried out?
- Negative risks: it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of a decision. If you consider that the negative risks far outweigh the positive risks associated with a decision, you might need formal assistance from a guardian in order to proceed (this is discussed further in Step 5).
This video shows an example of refining the decision and taking account of constraints.
Watch the video and then answer the questions. Write in the downloadable workbook located in the Resources section.
- Describe the constraints surrounding Josh’s decision to have an iPhone.
- How does Josh’s support worker manage the constraints surrounding the decision while supporting Josh’s preferences?
- Was a suitable outcome achieved for Josh? Explain.
Think about one person that you support to make decisions. Recall a decision that required you to think creatively to refine it while still supporting the person’s preferences to make it happen.
Complete the table to document your experiences. Write in the downloadable workbook located in the Resources section.
Note: Josh painting his room (from the Activity in Step 2) is provided as an example for you.
Select the button below to learn about Step 5 Consider if a formal process is needed