A Person-Centered Approach

What is a person-centered approach?

Historically, people with disabilities were not included, or even consulted, in planning and decision-making that directly affected their lives, particularly, regarding where and with whom they lived and how they spent their time. The long-held belief was that someone else knew what was best for the individual, be they service providers, parents, guardians, physicians, or others. Worse yet, those responsible to make plans on behalf of an individual often had no relationship with, or had never even met that person. In addition, people were viewed in terms of their differences, diagnoses, and deficiencies, rather than their gifts, talents, and similarities to people without disabilities.

Thanks to the efforts, creativity, and writings of people like Beth Mount, Connie Lyle O’Brien, and John O’Brien (1997 p. 480), new ways to think and talk about assisting people with disabilities have been discovered. In this new way of thinking, all planning for people with disabilities is done with the individuals themselves at the center of the process. This approach is known as a "person-centered" approach.

The person-centered approach begins with the simple notion that you know best what is right for you. The starting point for any life change or decision must begin with you. The individuals who surround you become resources to help you accomplish your goals and realize your dreams, but they are not in charge of your life. Another critical difference in person-centered planning is that the focus is on your gifts, talents, and capacities. Your disabilities or differences are only important in determining how you will be assisted to live the life that you desire. In this case, that includes owning your own home.

If you think of a circle with many layers or rings around it, you can visualize what the term "person-centered" really describes. Picture yourself at the very center of the circle. The rings around you are filled with relationships, places, events, and experiences. These rings create a kind of cushion that not only makes life more meaningful, but also provides you with the assistance you need. In planning to buy a home of your own, the person-centered approach can be applied. You take center stage and others assist you in whatever ways you need, including documenting your needs and wants, finding the ideal house and neighborhood, brainstorming solutions to overcome obstacles, finding affordable furniture, and planning a housewarming party.

The circle of people who provide assistance with the home-buying process may include people whom you have known for a long time, as well as people you have recently invited to join your circle, or planning team. You might start out with a small group of people and find that you invite new people as you need more assistance with specific issues. For example, you or other planning team members might know a real estate agent, a contractor, or a banker who could be helpful in your home-buying process.

Some members of your planning group may be involved for the length of time it takes for you to reach your goal of purchasing a home. Others may stay involved for a much longer time, continuing to provide assistance or be connected to you in other ways once you move into your new house.