Person-centered planning helps those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) receive medical care and support that aligns with their long-term goals. It keeps the focus on what’s important to them.
Californians eligible for the Self-Determination Program (SDP) can benefit from ensuring that person-centered planning principles are included in their individual program plans (IPPs) and spending plans. If you or a loved one needs care for an IDD, keep reading for person-centered planning tools.
Person-Centered Planning Basics
Making a person-centered care plan means putting the person’s goals front and center. If you are developing a person-centered plan, you should be regarded as the expert. No one knows your body and mind better than you!
Even people who have the same conditions as you might have different plans. You have as much of a right as anyone else to determine your future. It’s often best to put the plan in writing so you can give copies to your doctors, therapists, family members, attorneys, and other key players.
- Administration for Community Living (ACL): This organization, which operates under the umbrella of the federal Health and Human Services Department, supports people with disabilities and helps them receive needed support. Visit the ACL website to learn more about person-centered planning and its core principles.
- Five-minute video: If listening is more convenient than reading web pages, check out this video for vital information about person-centered planning.
Person-Centered Planning & Self-Determination
It’s nearly impossible to discuss person-centered planning without also mentioning self-determination. California’s SDP allows participants to receive a certain amount of money to purchase services they need to fulfill their person-centered plans. This is in contrast to the traditional model of Regional Centers deciding customers’ needs and arranging services for them.
- Disability Voices United’s Self-Determination Interchange: Countless people with disabilities exchange useful information and ideas on this website. It features many resources on understanding self-determination in the context of person-centered planning.
Person-Centered Planning Examples
Some people start feeling overwhelmed when it’s time to sit down and write a plan. With newfound freedom, as you might experience with California’s SDP, your future is largely in your own hands. How can you get started on this important task?
- How to identify and meet your goals: There’s no limit to what a determined individual can do. People with IDDs deserve to dream. If you find it challenging to prioritize objectives, visit this previous NeuroNav blog post on SMARTing your goals.
- Person-centered planning templates (PDF): Looking for tried-and-true templates? Check out these resources from the New York Department of Health, which can help provide frameworks for your plan.
- Real-life person-centered planning example (PDF): Observing person-centered plans that impact real people may be the most effective way to develop your own.
Connect With More Disability Resources
Practically speaking, there’s often no substitute for an experienced independent facilitator when developing a person-centered plan. This individual can guide you through the process of becoming an SDP participant while ensuring your goals remain the number one priority.
NeuroNav has helped countless SDP participants and Regional Center customers identify and achieve their dreams. One of the best parts? You can pay us out of your individual budget. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started.
