Geneology

This document explores the fascinating history and evolution of person-centered planning for people with developmental disabilities. It traces its roots back to the 1970s, when a network of passionate activists, families, and professionals began challenging traditional, institutionalized care systems. These early innovators sought to empower individuals by focusing on their unique identities, dreams, and community roles, rather than treating them as passive recipients of services. The document highlights the groundbreaking work of figures like Wolf Wolfensberger, whose advocacy for social integration and the principle of normalization reshaped thinking in the field.

It contrasts mainstream person-centered planning, which is often bureaucratic and policy-driven, with grassroots approaches that emerged from the edges of social care systems. These grassroots methods prioritize deep listening, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with families, friends, and allies to build meaningful futures for individuals. The document also dives into the challenges of deinstitutionalization, the limitations of traditional service models, and the transformative power of innovative thinking.

Readers will learn how early practices like Personal Futures Planning and tools like PASS helped uncover new possibilities for inclusion and community participation. The text emphasizes the importance of shifting from a deficit-focused mindset to one that celebrates people’s strengths and aspirations. It also calls for continued learning and collaboration between mainstream systems and ground-level innovators to create a more just and inclusive society.

Whether you’re a professional, advocate, or simply curious about social care reform, this document offers rich insights into the origins, challenges, and ongoing potential of person-centered planning. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and the enduring quest for social justice. Dive in to discover how small, innovative networks have shaped big changes in the lives of people with developmental disabilities!

This document explores the fascinating history and evolution of person-centered planning for people with developmental disabilities. It traces its roots back to the 1970s, when a network of passionate activists, families, and professionals began challenging traditional, institutionalized care systems. These early innovators sought to empower individuals by focusing on their unique identities, dreams, and community roles, rather than treating them as passive recipients of services. The document highlights the groundbreaking work of figures like Wolf Wolfensberger, whose advocacy for social integration and the principle of normalization reshaped thinking in the field.

It contrasts mainstream person-centered planning, which is often bureaucratic and policy-driven, with grassroots approaches that emerged from the edges of social care systems. These grassroots methods prioritize deep listening, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with families, friends, and allies to build meaningful futures for individuals. The document also dives into the challenges of deinstitutionalization, the limitations of traditional service models, and the transformative power of innovative thinking.

Readers will learn how early practices like Personal Futures Planning and tools like PASS helped uncover new possibilities for inclusion and community participation. The text emphasizes the importance of shifting from a deficit-focused mindset to one that celebrates people’s strengths and aspirations. It also calls for continued learning and collaboration between mainstream systems and ground-level innovators to create a more just and inclusive society.

Whether you’re a professional, advocate, or simply curious about social care reform, this document offers rich insights into the origins, challenges, and ongoing potential of person-centered planning. It’s a story of hope, creativity, and the enduring quest for social justice. Dive in to discover how small, innovative networks have shaped big changes in the lives of people with developmental disabilities!