Lace Kitchin serves as the Director of Supported Decision Making at AIM Services. Her journey with Supported Decision Making New York started in 2023 as a facilitator, progressing to Assistant Director, and then Director by June 2026. Known for her passion for person-centered support, she is recognized for training facilitators and educating various stakeholders about supported decision making agreements, advocating for removing barriers, and fostering individual autonomy and control.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise and guest Lace Kitchin delve into the intricate world of supported decision making, emphasizing the importance of the individual's right to choose and the concept of dignity of risk. Lace, Director of Supported Decision Making at AIM Services, shares personal anecdotes that highlight her longtime commitment to fostering autonomy and self-determination for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She discusses her early exposure to the field through her mother’s work in human services, which instilled in her a profound conviction that every person deserves the opportunity to shape their own life.
Lace describes the broad application of supported decision making across areas such as employment, healthcare, and personal relationships, unraveling its potential to transform lives by recognizing individual strengths and preferences. The conversation also sheds light on the legal framework supporting these practices in New York State, underscoring the opportunity for individuals to craft meaningful lives with dignity and autonomy.
Key Takeaways:
· Understanding Supported Decision Making: The process involves empowering individuals with disabilities to make informed choices rather than having others make decisions for them, challenging common misconceptions.
· Importance of Dignity of Risk: Allowing individuals the opportunity to make imperfect decisions fosters growth and learning, a central theme in promoting autonomy and self-determination.
· Role of DSPs: Direct Support Professionals are encouraged to create environments that facilitate personal choice and self-expression, reinforcing the message that every voice matters.
· Alternatives to Guardianship: Consideration of supported decision making agreements as a viable alternative ensures individuals maintain decision-making agency and are provided the necessary supports to exercise it.
Notable Quotes:
· \"At the core, that's what I hope for every person—the opportunity to succeed because they were given the opportunity to try.\" – Lace Kitchin
· \"Supported decision making is about maintaining the individual's right to make their own decisions while ensuring they have the information, tools, and trusted people they need.\" – Lace Kitchin
· \"Our goal isn't to make good decision makers, but informed ones.\" – Lace Kitchin
· \"Safety should not come at the expense of a person's right to direct their own life.\" – Lace Kitchin
Resources:
AIM Services Supported Decision Making
New York State's Mental Hygiene Law, Article 82
Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode to explore these themes in depth and discover how supported decision making can profoundly impact individual autonomy and empowerment.
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