Advancing Supported Decision-Making Through Special Education Professional Advocacy

An increasing amount of attention has been paid in recent years to issues related to decision-making support for students with significant disabilities approaching the age of legal adulthood. Research indicates that special education teachers support practices that minmize the use of undue and overbroad guardianship for their students. However, many are working within environments in which this belief may not be well supported. The purpose of this article is to provide special education teachers with context and strategies for systemic advocacy efforts that support the dignity and autonomy of their students with complex support needs.