Nonotuck Community Testifies Again for SDM

After testifying in September 2023, the Nonotuck community assembled again in front of Massachusetts lawmakers to speak to the benefits of Supported Decision Making (SDM).

Since 2013, Nonotuck and the Center for Public Representation have partnered on SDM as a pilot project providing an alternative to guardianship. Under the program, people under or at risk of guardianship design a system of support—including a SDM support team—to help them make decisions on their own.

Legislation (H 1485) filed by Reps. Michael Finn and Sean Garballey would establish a legal framework for people with disabilities and elders to make their own decisions through SDM.

The Nonotuck community recently testified in regard to the Senate version of the bill (S 109) filed by Sen. Joan Lovely, heard by the Committee on Children, Families and Persons With Disabilities.

Malia Carlotta, mother of Cory Carlotta, the first SDM participant in Massachusetts testified to the positive impact SDM had on her son. Since 2014, Cory has thrived with support from his SDM team, living in his own apartment, traveling the country with friends, and working full time. “I do my best to explain to Cory what his options are, to educate him about the pros and cons, and to know that, when and if he makes mistakes, it is all part of growing up,” Malia said. “Supported Decision Making has helped our son become the adult he wishes to be, and I could not be prouder.”

Cory had previously provided video testimony on the benefits of SDM:

Nonotuck Program Director for Community Based Day Services Sandy Deare-Robinson testified on the power of SDM viewed through the lens of her relationship with Amanda Jo Benoit. Sandy and Amanda have shared a home through Nonotuck’s Shared Living program since 2009, and have participated in SDM since 2014.

“Amanda knows who is in her life and who she trusts, and she is capable of making decisions. She just benefits from the help of her SDM Team, which provides her with moral support, one-to-one discussions of pros and cons, and information on the big picture of a decision. When Amanda joined the Nonotuck and CPR SDM pilot, she made an awesome choice for her future,” Sandy testified.

Amanda described how the program has helped her to travel the world, as well as to earn a Green belt in Taekwondo. “My SDM Team helps me with decisions with: my health; money; karate, a new day program, traveling, and with my boyfriend Joey,” she said. “In the end, my voice matters! Please support the SDM Bill and help us follow our dreams.”

Johnathan Jenkins of Pittsfield testified to the help his SDM team provided him in navigating his job at a local grocery store, traveling around the United States, and even purchasing a new flatscreen TV for his home. “My SDM Team helps me grow in my skills and understanding such as with my banking, making health decisions at doctors and dentist appointments and buying healthy food choices,” Johnathan said. “My SDM Team is very important to me and I trust them.”.

Nonotuck Care Manager Maggy Walto also testified. “Naturally most of us use a form of Supported Decision Making in our lives. When we receive a medical diagnosis or need to make a big decision, we tend to lean on our closest support to help us,” she said. “People with disabilities deserve the same opportunity. Currently families have no other model but guardianship to choose from for their loved one.”