Barrier-Free Blog

Supported Decision-Making

5/19/2021

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Everyone makes decisions everyday. Some decisions are small while others are large.

Small Decisions include:

What to wear?
What to eat at mealtimes?
To sleep in or wake up on time?
What store to go to?

Can you think of a small decision you made today?

Large decisions include:
•What job to have?
•Where will you live?
•Whether or not to pursue higher education?
•Whether it is appropriate for a power of attorney or guardianship?
•Medical Care- whether to run a specific test or not? Whether to have surgery or not? Whether or not to try a certain medication?
Can you think of a large decision you have made recently?

Sometimes we need help from others to help us make decisions.

Who can help me make decisions?
•Parents or legal guardian
•Other family members
•Friends
•Neighbor
•Therapist/Counselor/Social Worker
•Case Manager/Service Coordinator
•Doctor/Specialist
•Lawyer
•Support Staff/DSP/PCA
Who's on your team?

There are decision-making principles to keep in mind when making a decision with your team.

Decision-Making Principles:
•Everyone has the right to make their own decision(s) especially about things that affect them.
•Every effort should be made to support people to make their decisions: This means you're allowed to have help in making your decisions.
•Capacity should be assumed and is decision specific: This means that a person is assumed to be competent no matter what the circumstance.
•Decision making is a skill we learn: Decision making is something we practice to get better at. So, when we have large decisions we are able to decide easier.

People have the right to:

Learn from experience
Change their minds
Make decisions others might not agree with

Decision-Making Agreement:
An agreement is when two people who are willing to provide something to each other.
You are giving your supporters the “AUTHORIZATION” to assist you in the areas of life that you need help or support in. That means that you are giving your “PERMISSION” for your supporters to point out all your options and support you with taking the steps to accomplish your goals. Supported Decision Making agreements are in writing and will take some planning. An agreement explains to your supporters what you want them to and what you don't want them to do.

Sample Decision-Making Agreements can be found here:
Decision-Making Agreement 1
Decision-Making Agreement 2

Charting the LifeCourse provides a decision making portfolio. It can be found here:
LifeCourse Decision-Making Portfolio
Charting the LifeCourse also provides an assessment to figure out what supports are needed to make decisions in all areas of your life. It can be found here:
LifeCourse Decision-Making Assessment

Sometimes when we have to make a decision it is helpful to make a pros and cons list. It's helps if you weigh the positives and negatives to each solution. It's best if you pick the best choice for you. It also helps if you don't put off or procrastinate in making the decision. A decision-making worksheet can be found below:
Decision-Making Worksheet

Why is this important?
•This is YOUR life. You get to make the decisions.
•You can lead your plan
•You can have help/someone else can lead
•You can have family advocates
•You can have training to help you advocate
•You have the right not to have negative consequences (effect) by speaking up
•You may choose how long and how often you meet

Sources:
http://www.lifecoursetools.com/lifecourse-library/exploring-the-life-domains/supported-decision-making/
https://www.idaholegalaid.org/sites/idaholegalaid.org/files/Supported%20Decision%20Making%20-%20An%20Alternative%20to%20Guardianship%20-%20A%20Self-Advocate%27s%20Guide.pdf

Expectations Matter : My Life, My Choice, My Plan 2 hour module
Person-Centered Planning Training
Shared Support Maryland, Inc.
Current Trainings

Written by Emily Wachter

Emily Wachter is the owner and entrepreneur of Photography through Autism. She is a lifelong writer and photographer with a passion for disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is a college student at Carroll Community College with dreams of being a social worker. In addition to autism, Emily has a plethora of other physical and mental conditions, which include: Attention Deficit Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, 3Q29 Deletion Syndrome, Non-classical Diamond Blackfan Anemia, and Deaf in my right ear. Emily has spoken on a number of disability panels on living with autism and experiences of bullying. She is involved with a number of disability groups in Maryland, including YoungLife Capernaum, Disability Express Group, and Special Olympics. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, coloring, and shopping.

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NONPROFIT BARRIER-FREE PRESENTS THE LIFE SKILLS & SOCIAL STUDIO FOR NEURODIVERSE ADULTS

5/10/2021

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SYKESVILLE, MD—The Life Skills & Social Studio is coming to Downtown Sykesville as an extension of Barrier-Free—a non-profit, disability service organization that provides inclusive art, self-advocacy, and social programming to the community for adults with disabilities.

The Life Skills & Social Studio was created out of a need for more creative and innovative programming throughout the Howard, Carroll, Frederick, and Montgomery county areas. “Our premise surrounds neurodiversity” states Britt Burr, original founder of Barrier-Free. “Our goal is to combine elements of social practice and integration along with expressive arts opportunities.”

“It combines the best of both worlds” replies Lauren Burr, Executive Director, “It will have the inclusive practices we know and love along with that social club feel.” “With the added bonus of life skills heavily sprinkled in!” Adds Britt.

Both Lauren and Britt encourage Sykesville and the surrounding communities to join them at The Studio’s Open Houses on Sunday, May 16th from 1-3pm and Tuesday, May 18th from 4-6pm. “Everyone has been really welcoming to us so far and we’d love the opportunity to meet them face-to-face. Just drop in and say hello and check out the space.” says Lauren.

Interested parties are encouraged to check out The Life Skills & Social Studio at Barrier-Free’s website at www.BarrierFreeMD.com. “Please reach out to us with any questions.” states Britt, “We want to make this affordable and accessible for all.”

Britt and Lauren can be reached at info@BarrierFreeMD.com or welcome a text/call anytime at 301-799-8669.

Join us at an upcoming Info Session or Open House.

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Actor Spotlight - Jared Parrish

4/28/2021

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Jared Parrish is an all-star Barrier-Free"er" who participates in our Inclusive Theater Company B, social clubs, and numerous classes.

Recently, Jared played Robert in "I Do, I Think," Co. B's original show that premiered live on Youtube in March 2021.

In addition to Barrier-Free, Jared attends post-secondary school, rides horses, participates in Special Olympics, and more!

Thank you Jared for being willing to be a spotlighted Barrier-Free actor!

View the video interview or read the full transcript below.

Question 1: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm Jared Parrish. I'm 20 years old and I live in Westminster, Maryland with my parents.

Question 2: When did you become involved in Barrier-Free?

I joined Barrier-Free in September of 2019 and participate in theater group, social club, and classes.

Question 3: What is your favorite part of creating our original shows?

Right now, since Barrier-Free is virtual, it's fun to choose costumes and watch everyone on screen with their costumes. Everyone has a lot of fun together!

Question 4: Do you have a favorite character you've played?

I like playing Robert in "I Do, I Think," right now since he's funny because he has trouble staying awake.

"I Do, I Think" begins at 44:48.

Question 5: How has Barrier-Free impacted your life?

I've made new friends and also enjoy the theater productions. I even got to virtually meet people from England last year doing our drama productions.

Question 6: What interests do you have outside of Barrier-Free?

I attend post-secondary school in Carroll County. I also ride horses, do Special Olympics, watch TV, and read books.

Question 7: What would you tell someone that is interested in becoming involved in Barrier-Free programs?

I would tell them that Barrier-Free is a lot of fun and everyone is really friendly so you should definitely think about joining. Everyone has a place in Barrier-Free!

Bravo Jared!!

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April Bulletin

4/26/2021

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Contents:
Final Update - Purple Bucket Campaign
April Social Clubs
Spring Programming
Bravo Actors
Staying Connected

The Final Amount!

It's official, 56 unique donors helped raise $8530 for Barrier-Free this month.

Thank you to the families, supporters, and friends who contributed.

These funds will help Barrier-Free expand our programming while remaining affordable and accessible for all families.

April Social Clubs

Join us Friday, April 10th for our next in-person social club - Backyard Bonfire!

We'll have outdoor games, pizza, smores, and more!

This is a small-group size event to ensure social distancing can be followed.

Only 2 spots remaining!

Click Here for Details & Registration

Join us for a Spring Zoom Hangout on Friday, April 23rd!
⁣
Zoom Social Clubs are FREE and available to participants of all abilities - new and returning.⁣

Click Here for Registration

Last Call - Spring Social Series!

Spring Social Series begins Wednesday, April 7th at the Westminster Community Center!

We are excited to begin safely offering in-person programming again.

There is 1 spot remaining for this class and is open to participants of all abilities. Sign up today!

Click Here for Registration

Missed the Live Premiere?

Bravo to all of the Art of Performing actors on the premiere of their incredible shows "Abracadabra, Your Honor ?" and "I Do, I Think! "

Missed the premiere? Catch the full shows on Barrier-Free's Youtube Channel.

Staying Connected

Are you connected with us on social media?

Barrier-Free has lots of exciting news on the horizon this Spring & Summer.

Make sure you're following us to be the first-to-know.

Thank You!

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March Bulletin

3/16/2021

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Contents:
Purple Bucket Campaign
LIVE Show Premiere
Spring Programming
Actor Spotlight
Grant Announcement

Support Barrier-Free

Those present in the early days of Barrier-Free may remember purchasing tickets and having their change made out of a plastic purple bucket. Click here to read our full story.

Although we are a long way from plastic bucket days, each year in March we host our Purple Bucket Direct Donation Campaign.

This year, a generous donor has agreed to match the first $2000 in donations!

Consider making a donation to Barrier-Free this month to help us reach our $4000 goal, for a total of $6000 after matching.

Willing to be a second matching donor? Contact us directly.

Click Here to Donate

Shows Premiering March 26th

Join us Friday, March 26 at 8pm for the premiere of "Abracadabra, Your Honor" and "I Do, I Think!"

Act I, "Abracadabra, Your Honor," is about a group of mischievous magicians who are hired to boost revenue at a struggling theater. After a few too many schemes, these magicians find themselves in court being sued by the theater staff! Will justice be served or do these magicians have another trick up their sleeve?

Act II, "I Do, I Think" is about love birds Luigi and Sloane preparing for their "best day ever!" Everything is smooth and perfect until Steve, an uninvited guest, comes crashing into the party. Will the wedding proceed? Has the big day been ruined? Can anyone stop Steve from eating all the lamb shanks? Tune in to find out!

These short-films will premiere LIVE on Youtube & Facebook Friday, March 26 at 8pm.

Spring Programming Announcement

This Spring brings THREE new programs to Barrier-Free!

Our Art of Performing/Inclusive Theater Companies will break for the spring/summer and resume in September.

All classes are mixed abilities and open to individuals 18+ with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism.

These classes are perfect for new or returning Barrier-Free participants.

Click the image for more details and to register for each class.

Register for one, two, or all three programs!!

Use the "Spring Trifecta" link to use ONE registration form to register for all three programs.

Click Here to View our Enrollment Page

Fresh off the Press

Jorge Tirigall is a talented actor from Columbia, MD, and a member of our Art of Performing Company B. Catch him in his debut performance as Luigi Rodriguez in "I Do, I Think" premiering LIVE on our Youtube channel, Friday, March 26 at 8pm.

Thank you Jorge for representing actors with autism and sharing about your experiences with Barrier-Free!

Click Here for the Actor Spotlight

Grant Announcement

Barrier-Free is thrilled to announce we are the recipients of an Arts Opportunity Mini-Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council totaling $1000!

This Mini-Grant will allow us to purchase new high-quality editing software for our upcoming productions, fund our costume & prop budget, and enhance our marketing efforts for our shows.

Thank you Carroll County Arts Council for your support!!

Don't Forget to Donate!

Photo: Besties & Buds participants wrapping up an excellent class.
Don't miss out on your chance to join Besties & Buds Round Two starting Thursday, April 8th on Zoom!

Click Here to Donate

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