A person-centered plan must have clear timelines. PATH plans are particularly helpful to identify who will do what and when. This clip shows just the beginning of a discussion of timelines. What tool might you use next?
View and print an example of Chase's completed plan.
It should be clear to you by now that Person-Centered Planning is really a set of values that fosters a system of planning. When you embrace these values, you will be an outstanding Support Broker. By engaging with people where they are, to discover who they are and what they want for themselves, you can be part of a life-changing event.
It is important that each plan clearly outlines how team members will know if there is a problem with the plan and what will be done in that event. Similarly, the individual with a disability and his or her Circle of Support should know when the goal is being reached. Key questions Brokers should ask while planning include:
Does each step of the plan include a contingency plan in case there are emergencies, changes in providers and such? A plan to address concerns of safety should be included. Not all individuals will require a safety plan, but an effective plan will identify what all team members will do in an emergency.
Does each step of the plan identify who is responsible to assist in its implementation?
Does each step of the plan outline when tasks will be completed?
Do team members know what to do if they are unable to complete an assigned task?
Does the plan reflect the need for ongoing meetings with the Circle of Support and your employer to evaluate the plan on a regular basis (for example, meet for dinner one time per month or every other month)?
Unlike typical planning strategies, person-centered planning in an ongoing process. A thorough plan should include a way to bring the team together to share their feelings and thoughts about how things are going. By meeting on a regular basis, Support Brokers will be able to adjust task assignments or timelines to meet changing needs.
Chase Doty and his Circle of Supports
It is important to discuss 'holes' in the plan that may need more attention. For example, Phil, Chase's primary support provider discusses that it can be tough to find back up supports.
Michael Smull, from Allen Shea and Associates, provides important ideas for you to consider. Mr. Smull includes several case descriptions that will assist you to see how individuals who live in facilities or group home settings can benefit from person-centered action plans. Notably, Mr. Smull sums up by saying that the person-centered planning process requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation based on the changing needs of the individual. He states, “The only thing worse than never listening is only listening once."
Support Brokers will find that planning is a dynamic and creative process. It may be beneficial for Brokers to seek additional training or educational resources to assist with skill development. Before moving onto the quiz for this section, view a few words of advice from Tracy Martin.
Tracy
Martin
How can Tracy's advice help you to become the best planner you can?
QUIZ
Now that you have reviewed all of the material in this section, click
on the quiz below, download and print the quiz questions. This self-
test provides an opportunity to apply what you have learned in this
section. Before moving on, you should be able to answer at least four
out of five questions correctly. If you are unable to do so, we
recommend that you return to the section and review the material more
carefully to fully understand the requirements for Support Brokers.
Good Luck!
Home
top