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Person-Centered Planning and Asset-Based Community Development 

A Community of Practice resource 

 

The goal of Person-Centered Planning (PCP) is to empower individuals to live their lives in ways that are meaningful to them by focusing on their strengths, preferences, and aspirations.  It aims to create a plan that reflects what is important to the person (desires, interests and goals) and what is important for them (health, safety, and wellbeing). 

 

Key Objectives and Elements of Person-Centered Planning 

 

Promoting Individual Choice and Autonomy: The person is the expert in their own life. 

• Center the person’s voice and choices in every aspect of the planning process. 

• Respect and prioritize their goals, values, and preferences. 

• Empower them to take control over decisions that affect their life. 

 

Focusing on Strengths and Abilities: Build on the individual’s skills, talents, and potential. 

• Highlight strengths and areas of interest, rather than focusing on limitations. 

• Create opportunities for personal growth, independence, and ownership of their journey. 

 

Supporting Inclusion and Community Integration: Foster meaningful connections and participation in the community. 

• Help the person build relationships, engage in activities, and reduce social isolation. 

• Involve family, friends, caregivers, and community members to create a robust support system. 

 

Enhancing Quality of Life: Focus on the whole person and their well-being. 

• Consider physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors that impact quality of life. 

• Address all aspects of life, such as work, relationships, leisure, and health, to create opportunities for satisfaction and fulfillment. 

 

Building a Collaborative and Inclusive Support Network: Shared decision-making leads to better outcomes. 

• Actively involve key people in the person’s life to align efforts with their vision. 

• Encourage collaboration among supporters to ensure the person’s goals are met. 

 

Respecting Individual Preferences and Culture: Honor the person’s values, culture, and unique way of living. 

• Create a plan that reflects their identity and respects their individuality. 

• Adapt to their evolving needs and aspirations while maintaining their preferences at the forefront. 

 

Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals: Plans should be actionable and adaptable. 

• Develop clear, realistic steps that lead to progress in areas that matter most to the individual. 

• Regularly revisit and adjust the plan to reflect changes in the person’s circumstances or goals. 

 

Ensuring Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognize that goals and circumstances evolve over time. 

• Build plans that can adapt to life’s changes while staying aligned with the person’s vision. 

• Continually evaluate and update the plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective. 

 

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Integrating Goals, Framework, and Disability Services 

 

Overview: Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is a strengths-focused approach that empowers individuals and communities by leveraging their existing assets and resources. For disability service providers, ABCD provides a roadmap for fostering inclusive, community-driven initiatives that highlight abilities, enhance social connections, and build sustainable systems of support. 

 

Framework for ABCD Implementation: 

 

Focus on Assets, Not Deficits: Identify and map the skills, talents, and resources present within the community, shifting the narrative from problems to possibilities. 

 

Community-Driven Initiatives: Empower individuals and groups to take the lead in creating solutions, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. 

Inclusive Participation: Engage community members, ensuring accessibility, equity, and meaningful involvement in planning and decision-making. 

 

Mapping Community Assets: Conduct asset mapping to identify: 

• Individual Assets: Talents, skills, and interests of community members. 

• Associational Assets: Clubs, networks, and informal groups. 

• Institutional Assets: Local organizations, businesses, and services. 

 

Strengthening Social Connections: Build relationships and partnerships among individuals, groups, and institutions, encouraging networks that promote collaboration and mutual support. 

 

ABCD in Disability Services: 

 

Recognize Abilities: Highlight the strengths and talents of individuals with disabilities rather than focusing on limitations. 

Build Inclusive Networks: Foster relationships between individuals with disabilities and the broader community to encourage integration and collaboration. 

Promote Leadership: Empower individuals with disabilities to lead community initiatives, reinforcing their roles as valuable contributors. 

Enhance Accessibility: Ensure that all community programs and initiatives are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. 

Celebrate Diversity: Recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of individuals with disabilities to strengthen the fabric of the community. 

Create Sustainable Solutions: Develop programs and supports that can be maintained by the community, reducing reliance on external resources. 

Strengthen Advocacy: Build capacity within the community to advocate for equitable opportunities and resources for individuals with disabilities.