Supported Decision-Making as an Alternative to Guardianship

*This event is open to the public* This is a live interactive webinar. Registered participants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to join the session. Presenter: Megan Rusciano, Esq., rejoined Disability Rights Maryland (DRM), Maryland’s Protection and Advocacy Agency for people with disabilities as the Managing Attorney for the Developmental Disabilities Team in 2026. In this role, Rusciano leads DRM’s advocacy work and litigation impacting persons with developmental disabilities across the State, including relating to access to home and community based services. Rusciano previously worked as a is a staff attorney at the Center for Public Representation and a senior staff attorney at The Arc of the United States. CEU: 3.0 Continuing Education Credit Hours Session Description This session will provide an overview of supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, including a discussion of Maryland’s supported decision-making legislation. Supported decision-making has gained national and international recognition as a best practice and legal tool that can preserve the civil rights of people with disabilities and eliminate the need for a guardian in certain situations. The presentation will discuss standards for pursuing guardianship of the person and guardianship of the property. They will also discuss other alternatives to guardianship, including advance directives, advance directives for mental health, surrogate decision-makers, representative payees and powers of attorney. Resources and referrals on alternatives to guardianship and supported decision-marking will be provided. Objectives: Participants will be able to: Identify resources and referral sources for family and community members regarding alternatives to guardianship.Recognize how to support and accommodate people with disabilities to increase their self determination.Select appropriate less restrictive alternatives to guardianship. Instructional level: Intermediat