Rethinking Guardianship
Originally Published in August 2022, ECNV Newsletter
Emma Budway, an ECNV Ford Foundation Agent of Change, recently appeared in a brief Rethinking Guardianship: Emma’s Story explaining why she wants to get out of her guardianship. She describes her experience as an unreliably speaking autistic woman under guardianship and the benefits of less restrictive alternatives. Guardianship is a restrictive legal arrangement that often strips many rights from disabled people, including the right to make independent decisions. But it doesn’t have to be this way—supported decision-making is a less restrictive alternative arrangement that centers the individual and their wishes and preferences. Emma Budway details how we can reimagine guardianship, including for non speaking autistic people.
Emma explains, “I would like to demonstrate my potential and change the future for nonspeakers everywhere. …People assume I am not smart because I cannot talk. Very few people thought that I had any capacity to learn. Guardianship limits my potential in medical, living arrangements, employment, and daily life.” A better alternative to guardianship would be Circle of support with me in charge. With my team, I can control the direction of my life. I made the decision to move into my own apartment and picked my own roommate. We have made a community during a pandemic. We are stronger because we met the change together. I am passionate about social justice. I want to make a difference for autistics. As a non speaking autistic it is so hard to be heard. People ignore our intelligence and our rights. I want to share our challenges and talents. Let’s change the options and see our value. We deserve a seat at the table. I want to demonstrate what is possible. I deserve to control my life. We have a right to be here. Loud and proud!"
Emma shares the following links to learn more about supported decision-making: