This research aims to understand the significance of supported decision-making to the lives of people with cognitive disabilities, identify its essential elements common to anyone with cognitive disabilities in any context, and locate key implementation issues.

For this report, the authors understand people with cognitive disabilities to include people with intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injury, dementia and mental health conditions. Synthesising the research findings, this report articulates the benefits of supported decision-making, sets out nine principles and eight essential elements of a ‘Diversity, Dignity, Equity and Best Practice Framework for Supported Decision-making’ and recommends implementation strategies.