Person-Centered Planning Methods

Person-centered planning is a significant tool empowering people with disabilities to develop a life based on their hopes and dreams. Person-centered planning uses collaborative techniques to focus on the person's goals, hopes and needs for support.

Many person-centered planning methods are available. All recognize that people have the right to:

  • Plan their lives
  • Be good neighbors
  • Live in the way they choose with the support they need

Click each tab to learn about two person-centered planning methods. Then click Next to continue.


ELP tab PFP tab

Essential Lifestyle Planning

ELP, developed by Michael Smull, is a guided process designed to help individuals discover and attain what matters most to them and identify needed supports. Discussions related to health and safety are an integral part of this process. The discoveries made during the guided ELP process are described so all participants and their supporters understand them.

Personal Futures Planning

PFP, developed by Dr. Beth Mount, employs an ongoing process that replaces system-centered methods with person-centered methods. The PFP process encourages people and their supporters to become aware of the potential for becoming integral, contributing members of the community.