WHAT IS INDEPENDENT FACILITATION?

Independent Facilitation is an ongoing process that supports an individual with a disability to develop a vision for their future and to take the steps necessary to work towards their dreams. 

Facilitation involves a trained Facilitator working alongside a Person/Family over time.  It involves expanding personal networks, planning and connecting people in community.

What does the Person/Family do?

Personal planning is the natural process of making decisions about your future. 

• Come with an open mind
• Be prepared to think differently You plan so that you influence and control your future
• Plan so that you achieve the security in your life that you feel is important
• Be comfortable with exploring your goals in the context of community
• Plan so that you understand where you want to go, how you want to get there and identify who can help
• Identify resources you already have and those you might need, and identify where there are gaps
• Be prepared to bring the important people in your life together and consider who else might be involved
• Communicate openly with your Facilitator
• Inform your Facilitator of any changes in your life
• Capture your ideas, hopes and dreams with the help of your Facilitator who will support you in creating an action plan as you strive towards achieving your goals
• Be ready to get started! If your family is in a crisis situtation, this is not a time to get started with facilitation. 

What does the Facilitator do?

• Listen deeply to what an individual feels is important now and for the future
• Assist the person’s voice to be heard by others
• Guide the planning process at the pace that is right for the person and their friends and/or family
• Assist people and their support networks to be good at planning and decision making
• Provide written plans that make sense to the person
• Help the person develop relationships and build a strong network of friends and/or family
• See the person, along with their friends and/or family (their support network), as the decision-makers
• Explore people and places to help the person build a life in their neighbourhood and community
• Connect people with those community places that are most meaningful to them
• Help move ideas into action and develop action plans of what is needed
• Assist the community to respond to people and their plans
• Help the person and their support network review how things are going
    

For Planning Professionals: Join the Planning & Facilitation Collaborative (PFC)

If you support people with disabilities to live inclusive lives in their communities, connect with like-minded peers through the PFC! The PFC brings together professionals engaging in the work of planning across Canada and beyond to share resources, practical guidance, and build knowledge. Through education, connection, and conversation, the PFC can help emerging and established professionals feel more informed, supported, and confident to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. 

Sign up for free today