Supported decision making

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to which Australia is a signatory, represents an important step forward for people with intellectual disability in realising their human right to autonomy. In particular, Article 12 of the Convention emphasizes the full and equal legal capacity of all citizens to participate in decisions and importantly to receive appropriate support to make these decisions. Australia's ratification of the Convention in 2008, coupled with the roll out of Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), underscores the Australian government's commitment to ensuring a national focus on autonomy for all Australians. Supported decision making has emerged as a way of achieving this universal autonomy.