Sector Training Activities

Dilemmas in Supporting “Choice”

The right of individuals to choose is highly valued in our society.  For many people it is portrayed as the most important consideration relative to other needs.  As we support others to exercise choice, a lack of clarity and consistency in our approach can mean that people are “abandoned to choice” on significant issues for which they have little life experience and then simultaneously denied choice on more day to day matters.  The systems we operate in often promote “choice” in the abstract, but then fail to generate the choices that are promised.

In this event, Dr Michael Kendrick will assist us to examine some of the many issues associated with choice, including:

• the complex dilemmas of supporting choice
• the links between choice and responsibility
• the role of principles and ethics to guide decision-making
• the contexts in which choice is offered
• and the constraints to supporting choice
• positive strategies for strengthening choice

Michael will also assist us to systematically think through a more sustainable framework for ensuring people with disability get to exercise as much autonomy and choice as possible.