Person-centered planning is based on a variety of approaches or tools to organize and guide life planning with individuals with disabilities, their families, and friends. It is rooted in what is important to the individual while taking into account all other factors that affect his/her life: effects of the disability, issues of health and safety, and the views of those who know and care about the person. Focusing on the person in person-centered planning ensures that the team (selected by the individual and his/her family) moves beyond program planning for the individual and looks at the whole picture of the individual's life.

	Person-centered planning: Looks to the future and helps the individual plan for positive outcomes. Puts the individual, his/her gifts, talents, dreams, preferences, needs, and choices in the center of the planning process. Helps individuals find and use their voices to state what is truly important to and for them. Requires really listening to the individual and the people who know him/her best, and translating dreams for a better or different life into action plans. Enlists the support of family, friends, and professionals to follow through on those action plans so that the individual may become better connected to his/her community.