Person-Centered Planning is THE LAW in Michigan (Michigan Mental Health Code, 1993).  A person-centered plan helps you create a vision of a desirable future where you:

*  Make your own choices & decisions

*  Get advice & support from people you know & who care about you

*  Build on you strengths

*  Create real relationships with people with whom you want to spend time.

*  Become part of your neighborhood & community

*  Achieve the dreams you have for yourself

*  Feel that people listen & respect you

*  Feel proud about who you are

Are you receiving the person-centered planning that you're entitled to under the law?  Take this simple quiz to find out.

At your last individual planning meeting did:

*  You plan and run your meeting?

   ____yes       _____no

*  You invite the people you wanted to your meeting?

   ____yes       _____no

*  You hold you meeting on the date and at a time & place that you selected?

   ____yes       _____no

*  You set the agenda & talk about things that were important to you ?

   ____yes       _____no

*You feel that you were in control of the meeting and that people listened to what you had to say?

   ____yes       _____no

* You feel that people respected your opinions and wishes?

   ____yes       _____no

*  You agree with the solutions that other suggested?

   ____yes       _____no

*  People come up with ideas to help you be part of your community?

   ____yes       _____no

*  People identify accommodations to help you get what you want?

   ____yes       _____no

*  You get real commitments to a time line from the people who promised to help you get what you want?

   ____yes       _____no

If you answered "no" to any of these questions you might not be receiving the person-centered planning services to which you are entitled under the law.

See below to find out how you can get the person-centered planning services you need and want to help you reach for the stars.

*  If you are dissatisfied with your person-centered planning processes, there are several things you can do:

*  Contact the Recipient Rights Office at the agency where you receive services and tell them you want to file a complaint.

*  Ask your supports coordinator, cas manager or counselor how to file a grievance at the agency where you receive services.

*  If you receive Medicaid, you can request a Medicaid hearing.  Call the toll-free number at the Michigan Department of Community Health Administrative Tribunal (877) 833-0870 to request a hearing.  you can request a hearing if you think your services have been reduced, suspended, terminated or denied.

*  Ask a local advocacy organization to help you.