Mr. Francis Ducie:

I am the vice chairperson of the National RehabCare Advocacy Council, NRAC. No one makes decisions alone and everyone needs help sometimes. A few years ago, my mother passed away and I lived in the family home. I had always wanted to live independently but I needed help to find somewhere that suited my needs. We decided to sell the house and it was a very challenging time for me. I had to buy a new apartment, get new furniture and move in. I got a lot of assistance from my brother and sister. I also had an advocate who helped me to make sure that people knew what my wishes were. Now, I am delighted with my new life. Before I was just existing and now I am much more positive. My confidence has grown hugely.

I am very lucky to have the support of my family. When it is implementing the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill, the Department of Justice and Equality needs to make sure that the new supports reach the people who need them most, particularly people who do not have family support. For a long time, decisions have been made for people with disabilities without helping them to understand. Many people with disabilities and their families will need to learn that they have a right to have the supports provided for in the legislation which will help them to make decisions about their lives. Advocacy is essential as it enables people to work out what they really want after they have weighed up all the options. As they learn more about making decisions, people with disabilities might also find out they are much more able than they think.