We all need help sometimes making difficult choices in life, and for individuals with disabilities, that need is often greater. Regardless of our current abilities, we all need to prepare for future events that may cause us to be unable to make choices about our lives or unable to communicate those choices. We offer information here to help you consider some of the options available.

• Glossary of Decision-Making Terms
  Glossary of Decision-Making Terms helps make sense of all the new vocabulary.
• How to Decide Who Decides When I Can’t Decide 
  Learn about decision making options in Virginia.
• Video: Information about Advance Directives in Virginia
  What is an Advance Directive? Why is it important? How do I get one?
• Web Resources on Supported Decision-Making
• Advance Directives and Supported Decision-Making in 2021
  Disclaimer: Due to our ever-changing goals, the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is not always able to assist individuals in developed advanced directives.
• Video: Power of Attorney // Advocate For Your Rights
  See what others consider important when choosing someone to make decisions for them when they can’t do so for themselves.
• Video: Advance Directives // Advocate For Your Rights
  Is an Advance Directive the same thing as a Power of Attorney? Learn about the subtle but important differences in the words we use.
• Using an Advance Directive as A Powerful Tool for Mental Health Recovery
  For individuals in mental health recovery, the thought of not being able to make decisions about health care, including mental health care, is a scary one. We may fear involuntary commitment, court-ordered medications, treatment over our objection, and unwanted intrusion. An Advance Directive can be our voice during those times we may not be able to speak for ourselves.

We all need help sometimes making difficult choices in life, and for individuals with disabilities, that need is often greater. Regardless of our current abilities, we all need to prepare for future events that may cause us to be unable to make choices about our lives or unable to communicate those choices. We offer information here to help you consider some of the options available.

More Resources 

• Do-It-Yourself Advance Directive with Instructions and Form
• Information on Selecting your Health Care Agent Fact Sheet
• Web Resources on Supported Decision-Making Fact Sheet
• Advance Directive Videos: “Ask the Expert”
• Transition Services in Virginia
• Effects of Guardianship on Personal Rights

Videos

Alternatives to Guardianship // Advocate For Your Rights

There is stigma and humiliation involved when a person is declared incapacitated. And most important: It is often unnecessary.

Advance Directives // Advocate For Your Rights

Do you know the difference between an Advance Directive and a Power of Attorney?

Power of Attorney // Advocate For Your Rights

A Power of Attorney is a legal document where you give someone the authority to act for you…Learn more about a Power of Attorney.

Ulysses Clause // Advocate For Your Rights

Medical Directives // Advocate For Your Rights

Advance Directive: Sandra’s Story

Watch Sandra’s story about how her Advance Directive changed her life. Read the video transcript.