Person-Centered Puzzle

Please bear with me through this scenario:

I have always been a fan of beautiful ceramics- Especially the green McCoy pieces one can find in antique stores. Part of me has always felt that I could create such objects, if only given the opportunity to practice. I could take a class, study the masters, and eventually perhaps even turn out a vase or two. As I have no innate talent in ceramics, however, it would always be a hobby at best. In fact- for me to dedicate my life to ceramics would be irresponsible, as without the aptitude it becomes merely a form of self-indulgence.

But this is precisely what we ask people with disabilities to do when the Person-Centered Planning process goes awry.

The Person-Centered movement is one of the most important changes to ever occur in our field. In retrospect, it seems impossible to believe that there was a time when service delivery was NOT based on the unique needs and desires of the individual. What else could a provider possibly base services upon?

Another key component of good service delivery is a community-based focus. Every person has the right to be a member of the community, living out his or her life with the same rights, responsibilities, and expectations as anyone else. The people we serve need assistance in some areas, but that assistance should support their life in the community, not draw attention to the ways that they may be different.

The Person-Centered Plan has slipped recently into what can more accurately be called a Dream-Centered Plan. The hopes and dreams of the individual are being identified and noted, just as they should be. The team discusses how to best support the individual to reach for these dreams occurs, just as it should. On many occasions, unfortunately, the planning process ends at this point, with the plan focused exclusively on whatever he or she has identified as a desire.

This practice is NOT person-centered or integrative. By not considering the services a person needs to increase self-sufficiency, develop skills, and secure their place in society, we are perpetuating their need for paid support. Just as it would be irresponsible for me to spend all of my time on pottery, even if I REALLY like it, it is irresponsible to create an annual service plan consisting of one or two goals such as "Go on Vacation," "Meet the President," or "Be in a movie."

These dreams are important, and should be validated and accepted. Providers should assist in doing what can be done to fulfill them. Dreams are part of what make us unique, and should be celebrated as such. They should not be our only mission in life.

I can understand how this came to pass. For many years, individual desires took a back seat to what could be fit into an existing program. Realizing the failures in this practice, it was only natural for the pendulum to swing past center as corrections were made.

It is now time to look at the process again. Person-centered must refer to the whole person, and not just a few components. Desires AND needs must be identified. Outcomes are only meaningful if they mean something to the individual. Reworking and reformulating the same thing, even if it is a dream, can't hold much meaning over time.

I don't think that even McCoy created pottery to the exclusion of all else.