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Learn the difference between person-centered planning and person-centered service planning, what to expect at your annual planning meeting, and how to prepare.

Everyone deserves a chance to be heard, share what matters to them, and set goals for the future. Person-Centered Planning helps make that happen.

What is person centered planning?

Person-Centered Planning (PCP) is a facilitated process that helps people with developmental and intellectual disabilities plan for their future. PCP supports people during key transitions such as starting in a transition program, graduating from school, starting work, retiring, or finding new roles in the community. Together with a facilitator and trusted supports the person leaves with a visual plan that shows what matters most to them and clear next steps.

Topics Covered:

• History and experience
• Strengths, gifts and talents
• Skills and interests
• What works/what doesn’t work
• Vision and goals for the future
• Next steps toward inspired action

Who is involved in the planning process?

The focus person must be present and can invite anyone they would like to participate. A neutral facilitator will guide the conversation and record what is shared. Other participants may include school staff, parents or guardians, family members, friends, specialists, service providers, caregivers, or other community members chosen by the focus person.

How is Person-Centered Planning different from a Person-Centered Service Plan?

• Person-Centered Planning (PCP) is a voluntary, creative process with a facilitator. It focuses on the person’s strengths, goals, and future, creating a visual plan with clear next steps.
• Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) is a required plan created with a Case Resource Manager through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). It documents eligibility, services, and supports.

PCP process at a glance

1. Meet & Greet
Connect with the facilitator, discuss what’s important, and learn about the process.

2. Planning Meeting
Everyone gathers to support the person, talk about their life, and explore what’s possible.

3. Create the Plan
The facilitator will turn the conversation into a clear, easy-to-follow plan.

4. Follow-Up Meeting
Review the completed plan, celebrate progress, and adjust next steps if needed.

How to request Person-Centered Planning services

To request a PCP, contact your DDA Case Resource Manager, county coordinator, school, or employment provider to ask about access to a facilitator. PCP is available through DDA for individuals on the The Individual and Family Services (IFS) waiver, Children’s Intensive In-Home Behavioral Support (CIIBS) waiver or Individual Technical Assistance.

Tools to Help You Prepare

My Page
A one-page worksheet that helps you describe your strengths, values, goals and preferred support.

Star Form
A worksheet that helps you identify people, services and other resources that can support a specific goal.

Find a Person Centered Planning Facilitator

PAVE, in partnership with the Dan Thompson Memorial Account, created a free, searchable online database to help people find disability resources across Washington state. The accessible, HIPAA-compliant tool offers secure access to information for people with disabilities, Developmental Disabilities Administration clients and their families, friends, caregivers, educators and other supporters.

Find your Person Centered Planning (PCP) Facilitator

LEARN MORE

Informing Families video series on person-centered planning.

Person Centered-Planning Tools Overview

Using the Star Form to Identify Supports for Reaching a Goal

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DDA Video Series

We’ve received permission to share a video training series created for DDA Case Resource Managers. Each part will be released separately. Keep checking back for the next installment.

Part One: Includes an introduction by Assistant Secretary Evelyn Perez and video on Person Centered Planning by Beth Mount.

Part Two: An Overview of the Values of Person-Centered Planning

Part Three: Tools and Approaches to Person-Centered Planning

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