INDEPENDENT FACILITATION AND PERSON-DIRECTED PLANNING

Independent facilitation and person-directed planning is a process which develops a community-based network of supports for individuals living with a disability. The essence of independent facilitation and person-directed planning is to support people with varying abilities to exercise their rights, to express their choices and have their decisions respected throughout the entire process.*

Independent facilitation and person-directed planning is about creating and implementing a blueprint for future action: the predominant focus is on the nature and quality of the planning process that is undertaken and not solely on the resulting written plan.

“Nan didn’t waste any time articulating her goals – she wanted a job. And not just any job, she wanted to work with people, preferably in retail… This became the main focus of her plan. Focusing on her strengths and abilities a plan was developed to achieve this goal. After some initial hesitation in hiring her, the store has discovered now what a loyal and helpful employee she is. Everyday her presence as a worker teaches fellow employees and customers alike that there is a valuable role in the workplace for people with developmental disabilities.”Emily Taylor-King

independent Facilitator

Holly and I got to know one another, enjoyed some meals out, did some art and listened to music together.  They created a one page profile that identified what people appreciated about Holly, what is important to her and how to support her well.  Through this process she named many things she was interested to do. In February, Holly received word that she would have her Passport funding increased.  Because of the planning, Holly had some solid ideas about things she wanted to do and where she wanted to do them.  Today she makes jewellery or pottery one day each week, does fitness another day, works at the cafe at Y’s Owl Maclure for a day and works at Tim Horton’s on Edgewater each Thursday.   On Friday mornings she is enjoying Zumba and pool exercises at the Kanata Wave Pool.  Holly and her mom are very happy to have participated in the planning process.  It helped Holly realize some of her dreams.Donna Rietschlin

Independent Facilitator

Frequently Asked Questions

Vision, values and principles

Independent facilitation and person-directed planning is rooted in the following vision, values and principles, which steer the approach and the direction of the work of our Independent Facilitators.

VISION*

Community inclusion

VALUES*

  • belonging
  • contributing
  • sharing
  • being respected
  • choosing

PRINCIPLES*

accountability

visioning

strengths-based

person-driven

sustainability

Why does someone need independent facilitation and person-directed planning?

Independent facilitation and person-centred planning is a set of approaches designed to assist someone to plan their life and supports. The ultimate aims are to expand a person’s community engagement and social inclusion.

Working with each person we discover what is most important to them, what opportunities they want to pursue and how to achieve them. This is an ongoing process and it does not end once a written plan is developed, the process can carry on through someone’s life. The intensity of the planning will vary depending on the needs of the person.

What is person-directed planning?

Person-directed or person-centred planning is a process of continual listening and learning. It is focused on what is important to someone now and for the future and acting upon this with the individual’s family and friends. There are five key features of person-centred planning:

The plan results in ongoing listening, learning and further action.

A person is at the centre.

Family members and friends are partners in planning.

The plan reflects what is important to the person, their capacities and what support they require.

The plan results in actions that are about life, not just services and reflect what is possible, not just what is available.

What do Independent Facilitators do?

Independent Facilitators work for the person living with a disability, also called the focus person. They take time to understand the wishes, dreams, interests and abilities of the focus person so they can develop a personal plan that meets their particular situation.

What are the benefits of working with an Independent Facilitator?

To help the focus person identify their:

  • strengths
  • interests
  • capabilities
  • dreams
  • goals

To develop:

knowledge of services both community-based and government-funded.

strategies to achieve goals

an outline of tasks and schedules to accomplish the goals

a circle of support and to maintain it