Person Centered Planning and Systems Change
This document explores the transformative power of person-centered planning (PCP) in creating meaningful change for individuals with severe disabilities. Authored by John O’Brien, it highlights how PCP helps people live independently, work in integrated settings, and engage fully in their communities. The paper dives into various approaches to PCP, such as Personal Futures Planning, PATH, and Essential Lifestyle Planning, emphasizing their role in fostering inclusion and empowerment. It also examines six key contexts where PCP is applied, from service planning to innovation through partnerships, and discusses its potential to drive adaptive system changes.
The document outlines three strategies for system reform: adopting new rules for individual planning, using PCP in service reform, and leveraging PCP to guide purposeful innovation. It showcases real-world examples, like the Willowbrook Futures Project and England’s Valuing People initiative, to illustrate the challenges and successes of implementing PCP. While PCP has proven effective in improving quality of life, the paper acknowledges systemic barriers, such as limited resources and competing values, that hinder widespread adoption of TASH principles—ensuring people live in their own homes and work in integrated jobs.
Ultimately, the paper calls for a shift from transactional service delivery to relational, partnership-driven innovation. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration among individuals, families, service providers, and communities to co-create opportunities for meaningful roles and relationships. Readers will gain insights into the practical applications of PCP, its impact on system change, and the adaptive challenges that must be addressed to achieve equity and full participation for people with severe disabilities. This is a must-read for advocates, service providers, and policymakers committed to building inclusive communities.