Supported Decision-Making by Design

A Practical Process to Teach Choice, Manage Risk, and Build Independence

September 15, 2026

10am -1:00pm EST

(9am - 12:00pm CST; 8am -11:00pm PST)

You want the individuals you support to become as independent as possible.

You are so happy when someone learns a new skill, speaks up for themselves, or accomplishes something they could not do before.

You think, "Yes! This is the difference I came here to make!" 🎉

Those moments are incredible! But they are too rare. Most of the time you worry...

Do I step in...or do I allow someone to struggle?

Do I remind them...or do I wait?

What if they make a decision...and they aren't happy about it?

What if they make a mistake...and they get hurt?

How much risk is ok?

How do you decide?🤔

Welcome to...Supported Decision-Making by Design

The Practical Process for Teaching Choice, Managing Risk, and Building Independence

In this training you will learn to:

  • Teach choice...then get out of the way

  • Help individuals expand their independence...decision by decision

  • Manage risk in 6 simple steps...and finally stop worrying

  • Learn what "get to know your people" really means

  • know when we should up our decision-making support instead of backing off

  • The role you should actually be taking on, instead of the role you are probably taking on

  • How to maintain appropriate boundaries, and why that may be a struggle

  • Capture all of this service delivery gold in your documentation...and start building incredible service plans

And of course...always supporting the individuals you serve to participate in the planning process as much as they possibly can!

Independence doesn't happen by accident...

We know independence is the goal.

Every service plan contains outcomes.

Every team plans for individual success.

But between paperwork, staffing shortages, schedules, and simply trying to get through the day, focus quietly shifts from teaching skills to geting tasks done.

Before long...

We're doing things for people they could learn to do for themselves.

Routines replace choice.

We avoid risks instead of planning to support risks.

Progress slows.

Individuals increase dependence instead of confidence.

The minutes of life keep passing...

...and opportunities for growth, experiences, and the Good Life we promised disappear with them.

It's time for a new approach💡

I know your days are busy, your job isn't easy, and the last thing you need is another training that sounds good but doesn't change anything.

You don’t have time for that nonsense.

You want a clear understanding of why you keep dealing with the same problems over and over, and you’d love a clear set of practical solutions that get your problems off your plate…for good!

And that…is exactly what you’ll get.

The steps to take. The words to say. The questions to ask.

For more than 35 years, I've worked in nearly every corner of the developmental disability field - from direct support and frontline leadership to management, investigations, activities, compliance, service coordination, housing, behavior support, organizational consulting, and more. I've spent my career helping provider organizations solve problems, strengthen teams, and improve the quality of services they provide.

So when we talk about the challenges you're facing, we're not talking about theories or "best practices" that only work on paper. We're talking about the real world.

You’ll leave with ideas you can actually use…the minute your training ends.

I'm glad you're here. Let's get started.

Hi, I'm Sara!

"Love this!"

- Training Attendee

"Thank you for an informative session with great ideas/suggestions!"

- Training Attendee

"Thank you so much! I signed up to this training just because I love your trainings!"

- Training Attendee

If you're ready help the individuals you serve move toward their Good Life, kick growth, confidence, decision-making, and independence building into high gear...this training session is for you!

I can't wait to see you there!

For DSPs, Frontline Supervisors, Program Staff, QIDPs, Service Coordinators, Agency Leadership

Supported Decision-Making by Design:

A Practical Process for Teaching Choice, Managing Risk, and Building Independence

Less than 3 people

$127/each

3 or more people

$107/each

10am to 1pm EST

9am to 2pm CST; 8am to 1pm PST

This is a live virtual training 🖥️

© 2026 SARA SHERMAN INTERNATIONAL, LLC; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.