Understanding Supported Decision-Making

Inclusion Ireland — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Making decisions is something we all do every day, but for many people with intellectual disabilities, having their choices heard and respected has not always been guaranteed. In this episode, we explore the Assisted Decision-Making Act, what it means in practice, and why supported decision-making is about empowering people to lead their own lives - not taking families out of the picture.

Derval is joined by Molly O'Keefe, founder of Positive Pathways and a long-time advocate for family leadership and inclusion. Drawing on both her professional experience and her family's journey, Molly shares practical examples of how people can be supported to make decisions in ways that reflect their own wishes, preferences and relationships.

We also hear from Fiachra O'Connor, who explains the Assisted Decision-Making Act in plain language, addresses common misconceptions, and outlines the practical supports available for people and families.

Together, the conversation highlights that good decision-making starts with relationships, trust and listening, ensuring every person has the opportunity to shape their own life and future.

Key topics:

What the Assisted Decision-Making Act means in practice
Common myths and misunderstandings about the legislation
The important role of families and natural supports
Supporting people to express their will and preferences
Everyday and major life decisions
Practical tools, including communication passports and vision planning
How to access information and support through the Decision Support Service (DSS)

Resources:

Inclusion Ireland Resource: The role of family and supporters in supporting decision-making
2024 DSS Annual Report
Decision Support Service
Decision Making Arrangement Checklists
Decision Making Representative Order
The Natural Authority of Families, Summary; Michael Kendrick
Seven Steps To Self Direction, Building Right Relationships, Resourcing Inclusive Communities

QUOTES

Families need to know that their natural authority is acknowledged, because they're the ones that are there because of love. - Molly O'Keeffe

The starting point is not the removal of families - it's how we can enhance the person's voice through their natural relationships. - Molly O'Keeffe

She is seen as the boss, and people acknowledge her capacity in that role. - Molly O'Keeffe

As a family member, you probably don't even realise that you already know all of these things about how the person communicates. - Fiachra O'Connor

Under the Lunacy Act, there was little to no role for family members at all. This law invites family members in. - Fiachra O'Connor

KEYWORDS

#InclusionIreland #TheRightToOrdinary #AssistedDecisionMaking #ADMA #IntellectualDisability #HumanRights #DecisionSupportService #SelfAdvocacy #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #FamilyLeadership #PositivePathways

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The Right to Ordinary Begins Here

Inclusion Ireland — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 01:00:00 +0000

In our first episode, we explore ableism – what it is, where it comes from, and how it continues to shape the lives of people with intellectual disabilities every day. Through honest conversation and powerful lived experience, we look at how discrimination can be built into our attitudes, language and systems, often creating unnecessary barriers to work, education, housing and decision-making.

Self-advocate Lydia Fisher shares her personal journey, from overcoming barriers to employment and learning to drive to regaining her right to make her own decisions after leaving Ward of Court. We also hear from Fiachra O'Connor, who explains how ableism shows up in society, why language matters, and what each of us can do to challenge discrimination.

Together, the conversation highlights why creating an Ireland where everyone can live an ordinary, self-directed life requires both personal reflection and systemic change.

Understanding ableism and how it affects everyday life
The lasting impact of institutionalisation
Employment and equal opportunities
Supported decision-making and leaving Ward of Court
Accessible systems and removing barriers
The power of language and challenging stereotypes
Becoming anti-ableist and creating inclusive communities

Resources

Resource 1: TL's BLOG - TALILA A. LEWIS
Resource 2: Disability Inclusive Language Guidelines
Stella Young: I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much | TED Talk
What is Abelism?

QUOTES

- “You have to keep going to prove them wrong. Because if you just say, okay, you told me I will not do it, you will never know.“ - Lydia Fisher

- “It’s beyond time we reclaim our space and our right to a wonderfully messy, ordinary life.“ - Derval McDonagh

- “Once you have that language and once you understand what it is, you really start to see it everywhere.“ - Fiachra O’Connor

- “It’s not about just being not ableist, but actually being actively anti-ableist and taking those steps to fight and challenge the discrimination.“ - Fiachra O’Connor

- “If you work hard, you can be wherever you like to be in life.“ - Lydia Fisher