For teenagers with developmental disabilities, transitioning into adulthood can be especially challenging. OHSU offers a program that helps people with special health needs increase their independence and autonomy. The program is called Supported Decision-Making. It provides tools to help families of children with special needs make decisions on day-to-day life issues such as living arrangement, health care and financial matters.

In today’s podcast, hear from a mother and her daughter about how OHSU’s Supported Decision-Making Program has transformed their lives.

Guests include:

- Chuck Smith, social worker and Parent Partner with the Family-to-Family Health Information Center in the OHSU Institute on Development and Disability

- Margaret Maes, interpreter and Parent Partner with the Family-to-Family Health Information Center in the OHSU Institute on Development and Disability

- Maria, mother who received help from the Supported Decision-Making Program

- Abril, daughter who received help from Supported Decision-Making Program