Person-Centered Planning

Person-centered planning is focused on learning about the whole person, which is separate from defining deficits and needed services (Zatta & McGinnity, 2016, p. 482).

Meaningful life planning for children and youth who are deafblind can be achieved by focusing on their strengths and capabilities. That is at the heart of person-centered planning. 

Person-centered planning is a problem-solving process in which a team of personal advocates works with an individual who has a disability to identify their unique preferences, talents, opportunities, and obstacles, and creates a plan for their future success and quality of life. The planning team is a support system composed of those who want to help the individual succeed—for example, family members, health professionals, educators, and friends.  

Learning the person-centered planning process will help you better support children and youth who are deafblind in developing a stronger sense of self-determination and control over their lives as they transition to adult life and participate in their community.