What is Person-Centered Planning?

• A. A one-time assessment to place someone in a job.
• B. A plan for maximizing company profits.
• C. An ongoing problem-solving process used to help people with disabilities plan for their future, focusing on the individual's vision and involving a team.
• D. A standard spreadsheet used by case managers.

Answer: (C)

Person-Centered Planning is an ongoing, collaborative process that helps a person with disabilities shape their future by focusing on the individual’s own vision and goals. It puts the person at the center, drawing in family, friends, and support professionals to plan together around what the person wants to achieve, including how to use community supports and natural supports. The plan is adjustable and revisited over time as needs or circumstances change, rather than being a one-time assessment or a static document. This approach emphasizes self-direction, choice, and coordinated teamwork to create a path toward meaningful employment, independence, and quality of life. The other options describe a one-time placement, profit-driven planning, or a generic tool, none of which capture the ongoing, person-led, team-based nature of person-centered planning.