What is a key principle of person-centered planning?

The key principle of person-centered planning is centered around the idea of empowering individuals by ensuring they have choice and control over their own goals, particularly in the context of employment. This approach recognizes that each person's needs, desires, and aspirations are unique, and thus, they should play an active role in the decision-making process concerning their employment journey.

By focusing on individual choice, person-centered planning enhances motivation and personal investment in reaching employment goals. This principle allows individuals to express their preferences, making it easier to tailor support services to meet their specific needs and aspirations, leading to improved outcomes in their careers and overall satisfaction.

In contrast, complying with organizational guidelines or standardizing services does not prioritize the individual’s unique needs and preferences. Treating all clients the same overlooks the diversity of experiences and aspirations that individuals have, which can lead to ineffective support strategies. Lastly, a focus on employer needs over individual preferences can undermine the person-centered philosophy by prioritizing what works for employers instead of what aligns with the individual's aspirations and preferences. Therefore, the emphasis on individual choice and control is fundamental to truly effective person-centered planning.