Person-Driven Planning Benefits Everyone: Dispelling Myths With Practice-Based Evidence and Outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present practice-based evidence of the transition to competitive integrated employment using person-driven planning. Not a program, the use of active person-driven planning pivots on teaching and practicing self-advocacy and self-determination. Different from person-centered approaches, person-driven planning amplifies the voices of individuals with disabilities and assists their parents, families, and support team members to advocate for them. In person-driven planning, the use of culturally appropriate and engaging formats is emphasized that from the person’s perspective are reachable, accessible, and personalized. With person-driven education and counseling, the person and their family are directly impacted through having informed choices, support for decision-making, and a person-driven plan (PDP) to link to other individualized plans such as developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs). Legal precedents, descriptions, and discussion are offered with the overall goal of reinforcing a shift in language and practices. Highlighted in this article are exemplary person-driven planning experiences that actualize the legislative precedents and represent the shifts in language and practices needed to support human rights. The results dispel myths regarding process, predictability, and time with suggestions to overcome the limitations of traditional readiness, capacity, and/or other value-based assessments as well as the restrictions of individualized approaches. Operations are shared for moving from person-centered to person-driven planning for maximizing relational autonomy, building working alliances, using resources collaboratively, and demonstrating the risks are outweighed by the benefits to everyone.