My daughter has a severe physical disability. She is not able to communicate verbally. She is, however, able to make her own decisions as long as people take the time and make the effort to learn her method of communication.
It was really important for her to be involved in making decisions about her future. She has a condition that will eventually deteriorate and may mean that in the future she is unable to make these decisions for herself. She likes to be able to choose how she looks and what she wears, and to make choices about what she wants to do.
The most important decision that she has made is around her end of life care. She was involved in deciding what treatment she does and does not want and where she wants to be at this time. Although she found this emotional, it was very important for her.
I think her situation illustrates the importance of the Mental Capacity Act in recognising that people should be given every opportunity to make their own decisions and not just written off because they have a different method of communication.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 states that people should be given all appropriate help and support to enable them to make their own decisions. This includes providing information in accessible formats, offering communication support, and ensuring they have the time and space to consider their options.
The onus is on us to make sure that we know how a young person communicates in order to ensure that their voice is heard.
