Person-Centered Planning in Two Culturally Distinct Communities: Responding to Divergent Needs and Preferences

Person-centered planning (PCP) is a recommended practice in developing and implementing individualized futures plans of and by youth and adults with disabilities. Yet, little is known about the cultural responsiveness of PCP, a salient issue because values and beliefs about transition differ across and within groups. Community connectors, facilitators of futures planning in two culturally distinct areas (a Spanish-speaking, socioeconomically depressed urban area and a suburb of English-speaking people from middle- and uppersocioeconomic backgrounds), were interviewed regarding their implementation of Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope and their responses to the preferences, strengths, and needs of families. Person-centered planning was effective in addressing transition-related concerns and obstacles to collaboration identified by community connectors, who adapted this model to address perceived community needs.