Person-Centered Planning

Person-centered planning is often synonymous with terms such as Essential Life Plans, Planning, or Employment Plans. Planning services are appropriate for anyone who wants to explore a new career or life path. Many individuals find this particularly helpful when they are in a transition time in life such as wanting a new or first job, a new residence or even a life change.

A functional and fundamental shift in the planning approach begins with the person having authority of assembling those persons he/she would like on their planning team, which can include friends and relatives. Instead of professionals saying, “This is what we have” they say, “What do you want”? There is one facilitator who guides the process – usually selected by the person and/or his/her family. Professionals are there as support and to identify what the “system” can and cannot pay for.

The approach includes new plans with blank slates – no pre-conceived notions of the person, plentiful information on available community supports, developing the art of listening, gathering new pictures of the person in an objective fashion, personalizing all plans and supports, representing the person accurately and positively, and providing natural supports and support strategies only as needed.

Plans are flexible and invite revision and change. Each team member has a specific responsibility in plan implementation. Finally, unlike previous planning processes, each team member is clear that Essential Life Plans “unfold” over time, rather than being “knocked out” in two hours by a group of professionals.

O’Neill & Associates has staff experienced in facilitating this process, which usually begins with supporting the person to clarify their own personal vision.

We support the individual and family to:

• Build a team of family and friends who can assist with planning and plan implementation

• Explore interests, skills, preferences, past experience, learning styles and support needs

• Discover what the individual values the most and set goals to reach that vision

• Develop a plan with implementation steps

• Assist with connecting to resources and supports

We invite you to contact us if you are interested in person-centered planning or any of our services for individuals and families.

You may find it helpful to explore the Individuals & Familes section of our website where we have provided information about your rights, frequently asked questions, success stories, help with referrals and more resources that may be useful to you.