A person centered plan can help those involved with the focus person see the total person, recognize his or her desires and interests, and discover completely new ways of thinking about the future of the person." — Beth Mount & Kay Zwernik, 1988

Person Centered Planning is an ongoing problem-solving process used to help people with disabilities plan for their future. In person centered planning, groups of people focus on an individual and that person's vision of what they would like to do in the future. This "person-centered" team meets to identify opportunities for the focus person to develop personal relationships, participate in their community, increase control over their own lives, and develop the skills and abilities needed to achieve these goals. Person Centered Planning depends on the commitment of a team of individuals who care about the focus person. These individuals take action to make sure that the strategies discussed in planning meetings are implemented.

Purpose

To look at an individual in a different way.
To assist the focus person in gaining control over their own life.
To increase opportunities for participation in the community.
To recognize individual desires, interests, and dreams.
Through team effort, develop a plan to turn dreams into reality.

For a plan to be successful it is best if:

The people have a clear and shared appreciation of the talents and capacities of the focus person.
People have a common understanding of what the focus person wants.
The group involved agree to meet regularly to review activities.
The group include a strong advocate or family member assuring that the interest of the focus person is being met.
That the group include a person committed to making connection to the local community.

This is the beginning of a process that continues throughout a lifetime. Not a product.

Person-centered Planning; PACER National Parent Center on Transition and Employment