Michael Johnson
Vancouver, British Columbia
Guardians are appointed by a court to protect someone called a "ward" who is found not capable of making decisions relating to life, money and health. In my master's degree, I reviewed some of the historical features of guardianship law for individuals with profound intellectual disabilities.
In my current PhD study, I will ask how guardians should make decisions for adults with profound intellectual disabilities. I will focus on social and political relationships and decisions. I will propose a new "dimensions of interests" decision-making framework for guardianship, drawing on insights from disability rights theory, the capabilities approach to justice, and law and vulnerability. My work as a lawyer, guardian, and graduate student provides a firm foundation for this timely, compelling research.