QualityRights Training: Supporting Decision Making and Decision Planning

The World Health Organization's (WHO) QualityRights initiative aims to improve the quality of care and support provided in social and mental health services, and to promote the human rights of people with psychosocial, intellectual or cognitive disabilities worldwide.

The training and guidance modules of the QualityRights initiative aim to increase knowledge, skills and understanding among key stakeholders on how to promote the rights of people with psychosocial, intellectual or cognitive disabilities, as well as improve the quality of services and support provided in the field of mental health and other related areas, in line with international human rights standards and, in particular, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the recovery approach.

Many people with psychological, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities still find themselves denied the right to make decisions or choices for themselves—regarding, for example, their daily lives, treatment, personal relationships, where they live, or financial matters—due to societal prejudices, as well as guardianship and other substitute decision-making systems in place in various countries. This not only violates their rights but also disempowers them and makes them feel even more marginalized in their communities.

This training module aims to refute the misconceptions that currently contribute to denying people with psychological, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities their right to exercise legal capacity. Through the training provided, participants will gain a thorough understanding of what decision-making support means in practice and how advance care planning can help ensure that everyone can exercise their will and preferences on an equal basis with others and in all areas of their lives. Finally, this module explains how anyone can contribute to change so that people with psychological, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities can fully enjoy their rights.