Little Ones Have Big Dreams Too: Person-Centered Planning for Young

Children

NECTAC Conference, Washington, 2/7/05

Ann Donoghue Dillon, M.Ed., OTL

Institute on Disabilities/ UCED, University of New Hampshire

aedillon@unh.edu, 603-862-4320

Welcome!

Introductions Poll –

Experience with PCP? Any parents?

Several hats

Outcomes for Today

Clarify different types of planning Increased knowledge and awareness of

PCP process Increased skill in facilitating

When we do it alone, it is only a dream.

When we do it together, it is the beginning of reality.

-Unknown

Changing Assumptions(Mount and Zwernik)

History: Out of institutions into community Not deficiencies Not trying to find “fixes for deficits”

New: Strength based Based on needs, abilities, choices Supporting participation in community Coordinating around individuals, not systems/staff/

services available Recognizing ability of ordinary citizens to provide

support

Types of Planning

MAPS PATH Person-centered planning

Define, purpose, for whom, benefits, challenges, facilitator’s role, alliance, amplifying voice

Systems-Centered Planning:

structured, formal process regulated by paperwork professional setting focus on developmental needs professionals implement

Person-Centered Planning

Reflective, creative process Not regulated Collaborative Focus on dreams and vision Circle of support transforms vision to reality Not professionally directed Equal proportion of professional and community

members

Research on PCP PCP - an important strategy for increasing active participation of

students and families in IEP/transition (1997, Miner and Bates) Positive changes in the lives of the focus persons, all participants

were satisfied with process (2000, Everson and Zhang) Difficult to quantify the process and outcomes of PCP but measuring

process is important; misapplied methods; quality of life outcomes but also team practices and structure, team participation and practices and roles, responsibilities of staff might change(2000, Holburn et al)

Individual implementation issues: role of focus person in directing, preparation and training of facilitators. Broader vision of what is possible and re-connections in personal relationships. (1996, Hagner et al)

When is PCP a GOOD idea?

When people (organizations) are in transition When someone wants to build a circle of support When the person, parent, or advocate wants

something different When resources are available for flexible services

When is PCP NOT a good idea?

When people are satisfied with the status quo

When there is not a small group willing to make a commitment over time

Stone Hearth and Cookies

Invitation - parents invite Choice - parent choice of who comes Environment - most comfortable Support - review what will happen,

facilitator role, welcoming by parent, food logistics

Sibbets and Drexler Model(TP1993 Drexler and Sibbet, www.grove.com)

Team Performance Model Adapted for PCP Orientation Trust Building Goal/Role Clarification Commitment Implementation High performance Renewal

PCP Pre-Planning Orientation

Explaining the PCP process Who Is Here? Ground Rules Timeline or Bio-graph Relationships Map Purpose and Invitation

PCP Trust Building

Preferences Routines Places Skills Summary (pie)

PCP Goal/Role Clarification

Vision Outcomes Roles, Responsibilities and Timelines

PCP

Commitment Resource Matrix Map

PCP Implementation

Review, update and revise previous Outcomes maps

Tips for Facilitators Neutrality - should not manipulate the meeting to bring

about a particular outcome Good Listening Skills - use reflective listening and

strategic questioning Respect for the participants Assertiveness - prevent/resolve conflict, practice “sharing

the air” technique Clear thinking and observation - pay attention to

process and content

Tricks of the Trade Prepare titles of maps ahead of time Painter’s masking tape, doubled up paper, or big flip-

chart post-its are helpful Be clear and on track about time Be flexible about the maps Verify marker color use if you designate colors Keep the atmosphere informal, positive, and capacity

focused Consider a facilitator and a recorder working as a team

Tricks of the Trade (cont.) If you facilitate alone, try not to talk when you are

drawing Practice drawing symbols to use in the process (e.g.

star people, buildings, phones) Create a “parking lot” for bigger issues Develop transition phrases to bridge from one map to

the next Create sense of future together and encourage re-

visiting or re-doing the process Set agenda and date for follow-up meeting

How Does it Work? Find a partner 5 min – one facilitates a Vision

Map for the other person 5 min - trade places As large group – Debrief with Ann using

preferences map

Implementation in Your Role

Find a new partner Discuss how you can use PCP in your life,

wearing different hats, if appropriate. Debrief with Ann using “Take-away Tips”

map

Wrap -up

Future Dreams for Person-Centered Planning for families who have a young child with disabilities….Personal Coach Model

Resources IOD materials

(Cotton, Patti, Elements of Design) Dillon, Ann, PCP for Young Children: A guide for

Facilitators, in press Contact info: IOD 603-862-4320