The summit will focus on:

• Supported Decision Making Basics
• Developing a supported decision making plan
• Exiting guardianship
• Probate
• Legislative efforts in Connecticut

Keynote Speakers:

Jenny Hatch

Jenny Hatch is a young woman who became the first person to win the right to use Supported Decision Making instead of permanent guardianship.  Jenny showed the Judge that she had people in her life who helped her understand, make, and communicate her decisions. Because she had this support, she didn’t (and still doesn’t) need a guardian. Jenny’s victory was covered in national and international news, and she became known as the “rock that started the avalanche” of Supported Decision Making.  Since Jenny’s case, over twenty states have passed laws recognizing Supported Decision Making  as an option and alternative to guardianship and conservatorship.

Jonathan Martinis, Esq., J.D. 

Jonathan Martinis is the Senior Director for Law and Policy in the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University. He is based at BBI’s Washington, D.C. office and leads the institute’s national and international efforts. Martinis has over 20 years of experience representing and advocating for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Most notably, in 2013, Martinis represented Jenny Hatch in the nationally acclaimed “Justice for Jenny” case. Martinis helped Ms. Hatch secure her right to live where and how she wants, to make her own decisions, and direct her own life. Jenny’s case was the first trial to hold that a person with disabilities has a right to engage in “Supported-Decision Making,” where people work with trusted friends, family members, and professionals to help them understand the situations and choices they face, so they may make their own decisions – rather than be subjected to an unnecessary permanent, plenary or full guardianship.

Accommodations - Sign language interpreters will be available. To request other disability- related accommodations or for special dietary needs, please contact Molly Cole at molly@ctsilc.org  by October 30, 2023.