What Is Person-Centered Planning?

Person-Centered Planning is about you deciding what matters most in your life and what you want for your future.

It focuses on:

✔ Where you live

✔ Where you work or go to school

✔ How you spend your time

✔ The goals you want to achieve

In the Self-Determination Program (SDP), your Person-Centered Plan (PCP) becomes the foundation for your services, supports, and Individual Program Plan (IPP).

Your plan grows and evolves as your life changes.

Core Principles of Person-Centered Planning

Presume Competence

Everyone has the ability to make choices and guide their own life.

Focus on Strengths

Planning highlights what you can do, not what you cannot do.

Behavior Is Communication

Everyone communicates in their own way and deserves to be heard.

Meaningful Community Life

Everyone should be part of their community, not separated from it.

Respect Cultural Diversity

Your plan should reflect your family, culture, values, and identity.

What Happens During a Planning Meeting?

Your planning meeting should feel positive, comfortable, and centered around you.

It can be:

✔ A small meeting with trusted individuals

✔ A larger “party with a purpose”

✔ Structured or informal—whatever works best for you

The most important rule: You are in control.

What to Expect

Introductions

Everyone shares who they are and how they support you

Goals & Dreams

You share what you want for your life.

Brainstorming

Ideas are created to help you reach your goals.

Action Steps

Clear steps are developed with responsibilities and timelines

Follow-Up

Progress is reviewed and adjusted as needed.

After the Meeting

Your facilitator will turn your discussion into a written plan that includes clear goals, support needs, assigned responsibilities, and timelines. Your plan should always reflect your voice and your vision.

How Your Plan Helps You Succeed

Your Person-Centered Plan is a powerful tool you can use to achieve personal and life goals, identify services and supports, share your vision with schools, providers, and doctors, and stay on track. Plans are flexible and can include written goals, photos, drawings, and personal stories. There is no "one way" to create your plan because it should reflect you.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Your circle of support includes the people in your life who help guide, support, and encourage you. This may include family, friends, caregivers, teachers, and community members. Your circle can grow and change over time, and that is completely okay. If you feel like you don't have enough support, building your circle can become part of your plan.

How Person-Centered Planning Is Funded

Regional Centers may fund your first Person-Centered Plan when transitioning into the Self-Determination Program. Planners can receive up to $1,000 for completing the plan. Payment is made after submission to the Regional Center, and families typically do not pay out of pocket for this service. While not legally required, a Person-Centered Plan is strongly recommended because it guides your entire SDP journey.