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

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, 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