An Introduction to Person Centered PlanningWritten by Lisa Simmons
The basic assumption behind person centered planning is that EVERYONE; verbal or nonverbal, “normal” or profoundly disabled has goals or values that are central to them having a satisfying life experience. However, one of most common mistakes made by service coordinators new to person centered planning is assumption that everyone has similar goals/values. This makes next leap (that everyone’s goals & values are similar to our own) incredibly easy to fall into. We all must struggle to remember that life values are formed out of life experiences and life experiences VARY DRAMATICALLY from person to person. When we look at life experiences of average middle class American & compare them to that of a disabled adult who may have spent a significant portion of their life institutionalized difference becomes even more dramatic. Add into this picture fact that individual you are supporting may not be able to easily communicate their desires & preferences & challenge is laid out. So where do we begin? 1. Can you identify any issues right off bat that have been ‘struggle points” in past? This probably indicates that issue is important enough to person to fight for. Usually these are issues of control. Having access to things they want, having control over pattern or pace of their day, having control over their diet or access to specific food items. Usually direct support staff are your best source of this information if person cannot tell you him/herself. 2. Once issues are identified, brainstorm with individual & their support team (all important people in their life) to find a workable solution. This may mean helping them purchase desired items or it may mean assisting them to budget toward purchase of a larger item like a TV. If pace or routine of their day isn’t working, can their activities be rearranged or pace changed to something more comfortable. Activities (whether work, leisure, or domestic) that generate “struggle points” should be seriously looked at. Most of us don’t continue to participate in things that we find objectionable. We find something else to do, or if activity is essential, we find someone else to do it. If issue is food related, it may take some creativity to balance real health issues against individuals preferences. If it’s a particular food item such as pop or high fat snacks, explore possibility of substituting fat free or caffeine free items. Trade offs are necessary for all of us at times when our health is on line, but only individual can decide which trade off is most acceptable. Creativity is key during this part of process.
| | Tips On Being An Independent ConsultantWritten by Colin Ong TS
1)Do Your Budget ProjectionsEvery business has to have a proper system of budgetary planning. This is vital because you do not want to lose a potential contract because you can’t afford to take a plane flight to sign it! If you are unsure, it will be advisable to meet up with friends in same industry. But do your homework first and check if they will be in direct competition with you; they may not give you accurate advice because they may reveal vital information about their core competencies. Alternatively, you can source out information from your business association. 2)Get a Private Banker Every Consultancy needs good financial advice. Learn to delegate some financial requirements to professionals. They may actually help you to avoid pitfalls that can impede progress of your consultancy. 3)Private Funding If you believe that foundation of your consultancy is built on a franchise or a first-mover opportunity, you should seriously consider getting private funding. However, before you start to “hit streets with your business plan”, get legal advice about protection of your intellectual property and do a background check on venture companies that you are approaching. A big advantage of getting venture funds is that principal sum is much bigger and there is better support. 4)Consistent Pricing Plan In order to be credible and professional, you should put serious thought in pricing plan for your services. The basis can be drawn from a Per hour/Per contract basis. However, you can make exceptions if you have intentions of creating alliances with you customers or embark in a co-branding exercise (online and offline).
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