Disability Network Lakeshore (DNL) staff use Person-Centered Planning (PCP) in determining the path we will follow when working with consumers. PCP is a process where we interview you to identify what it is you want and how you want to go about getting it. Simply put, it is a process directed by you, the person receiving the service.
That idea matters because no two people live the same life. Your goals, needs, and hopes are your own. PCP gives space for that. It helps make sure you are not pushed into a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, your voice leads the way.
Why person-centered planning matters
When we use PCP, it helps us identify your strengths and the goals for what you want to achieve. We keep our focus on what you want, not what we think is right for you. After all, it’s your life we’re talking about! That’s a huge difference from the traditional medical model most support services work from.
In a person-centered approach, the focus is not just on problems. It also looks at what you can do, what matters to you, and what kind of life you want. That can include daily routines, school, work, home life, friends, community activities, and more. It is about the whole person, not just one need or one diagnosis.
This can make a big difference. If someone only looks at limits, they may miss chances to build on strengths. But when the focus is on you, your support can fit your life better. You may feel more respected, more heard, and more involved in decisions.
How DNL uses PCP with you
We’ll help you make a plan to reach your goals by presenting information on all your options, so you know what’s possible. We’ll help you understand your choices and then we’ll support you in following the plan you want. We’ll check in with you each step of the way to clarify goals and ensure that we’re on the right track, where you want us to be. We’ll also help you identify family, friends, and others that you want to be a part of your support network.
That means PCP is not just a one-time talk. It is a process. We listen, ask questions, and help you sort through ideas. Then we work with you as you move forward. If your goals change, the plan can change too. That is part of making the plan fit your life.
For example, one person may want to learn how to get around town more safely. Another may want help finding a job. Someone else may want to connect with friends, join a group, or get ready for a change in housing. PCP can help with all of that, because it starts with what matters most to you.
It can also help to think about who you trust. Some people want family involved. Others prefer friends, a support person, or no one at all besides staff. PCP lets you decide who is part of the plan and how they help. Your support network should support your goals, not take over your choices.
What a PCP conversation may look like
If you have never taken part in PCP before, it may help to know what to expect. We may ask questions like:
- What do you want to work on?
- What is going well in your life right now?
- What feels hard or gets in your way?
- Who do you want to help you?
- What does success look like to you?
These questions are meant to help us learn what matters to you. They are not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. You do not need to have everything figured out before you talk with us. Sometimes the first step is simply naming what you want to change.
It can help to write down your thoughts before a meeting. You might make a short list of goals, worries, or questions. You might also think about what has helped you in the past. If you know what has worked before, that can be a good place to start. If you are not sure, that is okay too. We can help you sort through it.
Tips for getting the most from PCP
Person-centered planning works best when you are as honest as you can be about what you want. It is okay to say what you do not want, too. It is also okay to ask for time to think. You do not have to agree to the first idea that comes up.
Here are a few simple tips that can help:
- Think about one or two goals that matter most right now.
- Share what has helped you in the past.
- Tell us who you want involved in planning.
- Ask questions if something is not clear.
- Speak up if a plan does not feel right to you.
- Review the plan often so it still matches your goals.
If a goal feels too big, break it into smaller steps. For example, “find work” may start with “make a resume,” “practice interview questions,” or “learn where to apply.” Small steps can make a big goal feel more possible.
It can also help to think about barriers. Maybe transportation is hard. Maybe the weather makes it harder to get out. Maybe a building is not accessible. Maybe you need help making phone calls or filling out forms. PCP helps us look at those barriers and think about real solutions.
PCP is part of how we serve
Person-centered planning is a standard form of business for DNL staff. It’s one of the foundation stones we believe is necessary for providing services. It’s an important part of how we serve you…the most important part!
That is because our work is about helping people live with more choice and control. We want services to support your life, not take it over. PCP helps keep that promise in place.
At DNL, services are free. If you want to learn more about person-centered planning or other supports we offer, please call us at (616) 396-5326. We are located at 442 Century Lane, Holland, MI 49423.
Our World still has barriers for people with disabilities.
Whether you're an individual or a company, searching for disability resources is discouraging and frustrating. And when you don't have the right tools, individuals and communities suffer. Wouldn't you like to live in an inclusive community where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong?
That is why DNL works to help people find the right support and use it well. We know the world is not always easy to move through. Barriers can show up in buildings, transportation, communication, policies, and attitudes. PCP helps make sure the support you get is shaped around your real life, not just a system’s limits.
The right resources are hard to find. We get it.
We understand how it feels to struggle to fully participate in an inaccessible community, which is why we help people find and use disability resources.
Sometimes people do not know where to start. Sometimes they have been told “no” too many times. Sometimes the next step feels too big. We get it. That is part of why we are here. We can help you talk through choices, connect with resources, and take one step at a time.
If you are facing a hard situation, you do not have to sort it out alone. A PCP conversation can be a good place to begin, because it centers your own goals and helps you build a path that makes sense for you.
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