PERSON CENTERED PLANNING COMES TO NEBRASKA

05/06/2021


During a person's education, people with disabilities usually get an IEP (Individual Education Program). When a person leaves school, they often can feel lost. This may be good time to consider a person-center plan. Just what is person-center Planning?

Person-center planning is choosing your own path, where do you want to go, what is your vision, who do you want in your life? Everyone wants a fulfilling life, despite if you have a disability or not. The goal of person-center planning is to support individuals to be center of their goals and supports.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Nebraska's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities are collaborating on an Initiative to strengthen person-centered supports for all Home and Community services waivers in the state. Kristen Larson, executive of The Nebraska's Council for Developmental Disabilities said of Person-center Planning, "It really is a game changer for Nebraska."
Person-centered planning is used to create service plans for all Medicaid Home and Community Based Support Waivers: the aged & Disabled Waiver, Developmental Disabilities Waivers, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waivers.

A Person-Centered Planning training for persons with disabilities, families, and providers was held over two four-week sessions via zoom. The first training was held on Thursday morning for four consecutive weeks. The second session training was held the next four Thursday evenings to accommodate people wanting to attend. Two eight-week trainings were done as in-service trainings for service coordinators, supervisors, and administrators.

By Christi Crosby
LEND Trainee Self-Advocate/AUCD Liaison
University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer