Person Centered Planning

VTC Enterprises uses a Person Centered Planning approach that is based on discovering and acting on what is important to a person. It is a process for continual listening and learning, focusing on what is important to someone now and in the future, and acting on this in partnership with their family and their friends.  The Person Centered Planning approach is used during the initial referral process, evaluation, individual planning, review, re-planning, and discharge processes.   A team of support people assist in the whole process.  The team consists of one or more of the following representatives, as selected by the individual: referring agency representative, family members, friends, special service members, and at least one VTC representative.  Person centered planning has the following benefits:

• Assists the individual to determine goals for a preferred future
• Facilitates the plan for the future
• Promotes success in working towards meeting the objectives of the preferred future. 
• Goals are based upon the individual’s strengths, capabilities, preferences, lifestyle, religious, and cultural background.    
• Meetings are positive, recognizing that each individual is unique, valuable, and deserving of respect. 
• A team spirit characterized by trust, loyalty and commitment assists the individual in making choices.  
• Discussions are non-judgmental and open ended.  Team members are encouraged to share ideas and viewpoints freely. 
• The planning team maintains frequent communication between planning meetings. 
• Individuals are encouraged to come prepared with ideas and statements regarding their dreams, preferences, and expectations using a planning guide.

Plans are adapted to the individual’s level of understanding:

• “All About Me Books” are photo albums which transform the plan to a living plan
• Schedules are developed using picture and photograph icons

Relationship Development Intervention promotes:

• Self Esteem
• Humor in communication
• Peer acceptance
• Collaboration and team work
• Flexibility
• Awareness of each individual’s unique identity