Person-Centered Planning: Choosing the Approach that Works for the Person

Person-centered planning is not one defined process, but a range or continuum of processes allunderpinned by the same values base and goal – to provide supports necessary to assist people to gainagency in their lives. – Valerie Bradley Here’s an excerpt from this excellent NCAPPS article. You can find it here. “Over the past several … Read more

On “natural proportions”

Dr. Lou Brown: In the past, segregated schools were common, and we began questioning their impact on individuals with disabilities as they transitioned into adulthood. We realized that segregated schools often led to limited opportunities, such as placement in day activity centers, because they did not prepare individuals to participate in meaningful activities in the … Read more

The Architects of Person Centered Planning, A Brief History of The Learning Community, and Foundational Articles

The foundations of person-centered planning, thinking and practices are rooted in the writings of a number of individuals. Here are some of the key figures often thought of as the “architects” of person-centered planning. In addition, a brief history of The Learning Community as well as a listing of foundational articles. You can find it … Read more

All About Person-Centered Outcomes

In order for a plan to be successful, the team has to know what the person being supported wantsto accomplish. Staff need to understand what is being worked towards in order to better supportthe person. When the team and person identifies the outcome, it creates a shared vision for thefuture. Read about developing person-centered outcomes … Read more

Yours for the Taking! Please!

Over the years, we have developed two documents that amounted to coffee table books. They were accepted for use by the funders, but seldom if ever used. Those documents are listed below. We encourage you to download and use in whatever manner you would like. They can be excerpted, adapted, or edited in any fashion … Read more

Best Practice, Expected Practice, and the Challenge of Scale

by Michael W. Smull, Mary Lou Bourne, and Helen Sanderson Most state developmental disabilities (DD) systems have supported the development of best practice pilots and have defined the desired best practice outcomes. But the challenge to move typical practice toward best practice to “take best practice to scale” remains. To do this, state leaders need to … Read more

Becoming a Person Centered System

by Michael W. Smull, Mary Lou Bourne, & Helen Sanderson A variety of agencies in many different locations have engaged with us in a set of efforts that have evolved over time. At each location the goal has been consistent: to create person centered systems that support person directed services. The learning that has taken place … Read more

Learn the Basics, Learn the Process, Apply What You Learn: Service Coordination Orientation and Training Curriculum

While all twenty-one Regional Centers are not alike, the same laws and regulations apply to each. What you will find in this document are the general procedures that all Regional Centers use with a number of examples. While it was developed in 1999, most of the material is still quite relevant. The 782 page guide includes … Read more

Habits for highly effective staff – using person-centered thinking in day-to-day work

by Helen Sanderson To really make a difference to someone’s life – and to ensure they have more choice and control – staff supporting them need to participate in an ongoing loop of listening, learning and action. This can be done through habitually using person-centered thinking tools. These are the foundation of change and they can … Read more