Person-Centered Planning
What is Person-Centered Planning?
Person-Centered Planning (PCP) is a process used to help people with disabilities create a vision and a plan for the future based upon the person’s unique interests, hopes and dreams. A Person-Centered
Plan is best done prior to transition, as it can help to develop the transition plan, but can be done at any time in a person’s life.
A PCP team must include the person and may also include parents/family members, teachers, peers, caregivers, and community members. Participants must be committed to taking action to make sure that the strategies and outcomes discussed in planning meetings are implemented. A trained PCP facilitator is typically identified to facilitate the process.
This team meets regularly to identify opportunities for the person to develop relationships, participate in the community, increase decision making, and develop the skills and abilities needed to achieve these goals.
THE FIRST STEP IN THE PLANNING PROCESS: THE PERSONAL PROFILE
Develop a history or personal life story of the person. Things such as background, critical events, medical issues, major developments, important relationships, etc., may be shared.
Describe the quality of the person’s life, considering community participation, community presence, choices/rights, respect, and competence.
Preferences of the person. Things the person enjoys doing, as well as things they do not like at all.
The personal profile is best discussed prior to the PCP meeting so the participants have time to reflect on what is shared. The meeting may use graphic symbols in place of words to help stimulate creativity and encourage participation across all areas of life.
THE NEXT STEP: THE PLANNING MEETING
Identify a PCP facilitator and the “person-centered” team members.
Review the personal profile. Give the group the chance to make additional comments and observations.
Identify ongoing events that are likely to affect the person’s life.
Share visions for the future. Through brainstorming, participants are challenged to imagine ways to increase opportunities.
Identify obstacles and opportunities. Identify things that can make the vision a reality.
Identify strategies. Outline action steps for implementing the visions.
Identify action steps that can be completed within a short time and who is responsible.
Identify the services the person would benefit from.
FOR A PLAN TO BE SUCCESSFUL, IT IS BEST IF:
People have a clear and shared appreciation of the talents and capacities of the person.
People have a common understanding of what the person wants.
The group agrees to meet regularly to review activities.
The group includes a strong advocate or family member, ensuring that the interests of the person are being met.
The group includes a person committed to making connections to the local community.
Multiple team members assume responsibility for specific tasks.
Additional resources: www.pacer.org/tatra/resources/personal.asp
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