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About Person-Directed Planning

Person-directed planning assists persons with developmental disabilities to create a meaningful life in their community by identifying their life goals and finding community connections, services and/or supports with the help of their families and/or significant others of their choice.

For more information to access funded planning for adults 18 years and older, read Person Directed Planning for Adults (18 years and over) brochure.

For more information to access funded plans for children and youth under 18 years, read Person Directed Planning for Children and Youth brochure.

Accessibility Advisory Workgroup

Family Service Toronto is starting an Accessibility Advisory Workgroup. We are looking for FST clients who would like to share their experiences and help make recommendations to improve access to services here at Family Service Toronto. Learn more about how you can support us.

If you have questions about Person-Directed Planning, contact Mansoora Qazi: [email protected] 416-971-6326 ext. 236

Person-directed planning helps a person with a developmental disability find the tools they need to live their dreams and to achieve their potential.

It can help people with developmental disabilities to:

  • define a vision of their future life
  • identify their strengths and gifts
  • set goals and make choices
  • find ways to participate in their communities
  • locate people who can help them achieve their dreams.

Fundamental Elements of Person-Directed Planning:

  1. Person-Directed
    • Person generated, directed and owned
    • Built on individual strengths, gifts, dreams and aspirations
    • Supports are tailored and relevant to the individual’s choices
  2. On-going Process
    • Is a flexible, open-ended and on-going process which enhances the individual’s quality of life over the long term
  3. Individual Rights
    • Recognizes and respects individual rights, entitlements and responsibilities
  4. Diversity
    • Promotes dignity
    • Honours individuality, culture, and beliefs
  5. Relationships
    • Fosters meaningful and lasting relationships with family, friends and community members
    • Values and strengthens involvement of a personal support network
  6. Inclusion
    • Facilitates participation in and contribution to community life

COMPASS

In the Toronto Region, seven agencies funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) have been working collaboratively to provide support in the development and implementation of person-directed plans since 2009. COMPASS works together to ensure the values and principles of PDP are upheld, to increase planning capacity in the community, and to promote ongoing innovation and creativity.

The seven agencies are:

What is person-directed planning?

Person-directed planning helps you think about the life you want and your future.

With the help of a facilitator, it is a process which:

  • Is directed by you
  • Supports you to make a plan for the best possible quality of life where you live,
  • Work and spend time
  • Identifies and strengthens your personal support network
  • Supports you to be involved in your community
  • Helps you develop goals and determines who will help you reach your goals
  • Identifies all informal and formal supports and services needed

How can person-directed planning help me?

Planning can help direct your life the way you want. Planning can help you figure out how to share your strengths and talents, and how to find new opportunities. It’s good to be clear about what you want to do, how to do it, and the support you need to create the future you want.

Where can I go to access person-directed planning for adults

18 years of age and older

Developmental Services Ontario Toronto Region (DSOTR)
Tel: 1-855-DS-ADULT or 1-855-372-3858
Tt y: 416-925-0295
Fax: 416-925-3402
Email: [email protected]

For children and youth up to age 18

Community Living Toronto
Tel: 647- 426 -3220

Family Service Toronto
Tel: 416-971-6326 ext. 236

For youth between 14-18 years of age

Corbrook
Tel: 416-245-5565 ext. 222

How can I prepare for my plan?

To get ready for a plan, think about whom you want to invite and what goals and dreams you want to talk about.

What different ways is planning done?

There are many tools planners use. All are flexible based on what you like and how
you communicate. The tools are not just another way to create a service plan, but are a different way of thinking about how to do what you want and reach your goals. Often your planning facilitator will meet with you before your planning meeting to talk about the tools and find what works best for you.

How often do I meet with my group to go over my plan?

In the beginning you may meet more often, but the number of meetings depends on the progress towards your goals and how often you want to meet. There may also be meetings with just your planning facilitator in addition to meetings with your group.

What is a network?

A network is a group of people who meet regularly to help you to reach your goals or personal vision. Usually friends, family members, co-workers, neighbours, and sometimes service providers are part of a network. Most of the people in a network are not paid; they are there because they care about you and have agreed to work together to support you in making your life better.

How can a network help me carry out my plan?

  • Support you with what you want to say
  • Bring ideas and help in planning for the future you want
  • Help you make decisions
  • Use their personal networks to make connections in your community
  • Give support
  • Spend time with you
  • Advocate on your behalf
  • Provide friendship
  • Celebrate together

How can I get help to build a network over the long-term?

Networks can happen at any stage in a person’s life but often form during periods of change or transition, such as starting high school, leaving school, moving out of the family home or looking for work. A planning facilitator can help you to create a network. As you become more involved in your community working on your goals, you may meet people who might become part of your network.

We do not have any workshops for the public at this time.


Person Directed Planning is offered at the following location(s):

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