Resources and Downloads
Person-Centred Planning
Jun 1, 2024
Putting you at the centre of decision-making
Person-Centred
What Do We Mean?
Person-centred approaches originated in the disability sector and are now widely used in teams and organisations to keep the focus on what truly matters to the people receiving support and their families.
These approaches also recognise the importance of supporting staff. At their core, person-centred practices are about seeing each person as a unique individual with their own strengths, contributions, and potential.
Person-Centred Planning
Good person-centred planning is essential for people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs. As it focuses on putting the person at the heart of decisions about their life. And it ensures their needs, preferences, and aspirations shape the support they receive.
Key Features of Good Person-Centred Planning:
- Person-centred: Focuses on the individual’s strengths, interests, and goals—not just what services think they need.
- Inclusive planning: The person chooses who is involved; everyone supports without taking over.
- Dreams and aspirations: Goes beyond basic needs to explore life goals like work, hobbies, and relationships.
- Flexible: Adapts as the person’s needs or circumstances change, with regular reviews.
- Strength-based: Builds on what the person can do, promoting independence.
- Clear and actionable: Outlines who will do what, when, and identifies needed resources or support.
- Inclusive and empowering: Supports community involvement, friendships, and real choice in all life areas.
- Culturally respectful: Recognises and respects the person’s cultural background and beliefs.
- Builds relationships: Strengthens natural supports like family, friends, and community—not just paid services.
- Supports self-advocacy: Encourages confidence and skills for the person to express their needs and make decisions
What It Looks Like in Practice
Examples can include:
- Someone who loves animals might be supported to volunteer at an animal shelter or pursue work experience with pets.
- If someone prefers visual communication, tools like pictures, symbols, or apps are used during planning to ensure they can participate fully.
- If a person struggles with noisy environments, the plan might include strategies to manage this, like finding quieter spaces or using noise-cancelling headphones.
And within our October 2023 newsletter we featured Seamus, who was supported by Vela Microboards.
What it Takes to Deliver Truly Person-Centred Care
Why It Matters
So in summary, good person-centred planning ensures people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs live fulfilling lives based on what matters to them. Because it promotes dignity, respect, and equality, and helps them reach their potential while feeling valued and understood.
- Person-Centred Planning
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- What is a person centred approach? – NDP, 2016
- Person-centred care made simple: What everyone should know about person-centred care – The Health Foundation, 2016
- Person Centred Practice Approach – Life Without Barriers, Australia
- Person Centred Planning A National Framework: Easy Read – Health Service Executive, Ireland
- A Guide to Understanding the Difference between the Person-Centred Plan and Personalised Care and Support Plans – Health Service Executive, Ireland
- My Independence: PCP Toolkit – ASDAN, 2020