Funded by CA State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Area Board 13, the goal of Take Charge: Leading the Transition to Adulthood was to offer person-driven planning (PDP) to transitioning youth (age 18-25) with developmental disabilities and their families as a strategy for obtaining inclusive employment and inclusive lives. Through PDP, transitioning individuals will be better equipped to take a more active role in planning for their employment and inclusive lives, which includes innovative options like microenterprise and is limited only by the desires of the young adult.
Although the funding cycle is finished, the website offers resources for individuals, families, and professionals who are interested in using the PDP strategies. On this website, you’ll find the inspiration for the project (About us), Presentations that have been delivered that provide overviews of PDP, examples of meetings and plans, and an overview of the project activities. There’s also a narrated presentation (and transcript) that addresses the use of PDP from individual and organizational perspectives. We’ve included a Gallery of photos from PATH and MAP meetings and under Creating Plans, you’ll find templates and explanations of how to use the tools. Finally, you can see examples of planning meetings with some follow up information under Real Stories.
Here are some guiding principles that were used when considering a PDP.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. The individual is in charge: he/she decides who attends the meeting, where it is held, and what goes on their plan. They have “veto” power; that is, if someone suggests a goal or activity that isn’t agreed to by the individual, it doesn’t go on the plan.
2. The meeting must be voluntary for all attendees – and everyone must agree to stay for the whole meeting.
3. A pre-meeting is held to interact with the focus person and family to determine the reason for the meeting and how to best support the individual to be fully engaged.
4. Everyone must attend a meeting with an open mind, allowing for the opportunity to think in new ways, investing in a different way to dream and attain dreams.
5. Action plans and commitment to follow up, with designated points of contact, must be created.
6. Above all, share ideas that are positive and possible!
