Review article
https://doi.org/10.31299/hrri.62.1.11
Characteristics and effects of person-centred support planning for people with intellectual disabilities
Alisa Vivoda
orcid.org/0009-0000-9455-479X
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Inclusive Education and Rehabilitation, Borongajska cesta 83f, Zagreb, Croatia
Daniela Bratković
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Inclusive Education and Rehabilitation, Borongajska cesta 83f, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Ljiljana Pintarić Mlinar
orcid.org/0009-0005-8064-8046
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Inclusive Education and Rehabilitation, Borongajska cesta 83f, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Person-centred planning has developed over the past few decades as a contemporary approach to supporting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. It is based on the concepts of the social model of disability, the human rights model, emancipation, and independent living, and is implemented as action planning for a desirable future for the individual, involving their active participation and the engagement of both informal and formal support networks. Its application has not yet been sufficiently scientifically evaluated or elaborated, although recent years have seen an increase in research in this area. Building on the above, this review paper aims to synthesise current insights from relevant research to analyse the characteristics and effects of person-centred support planning for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and to identify the factors that contribute to its effective implementation and the achievement of desired outcomes. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted by searching the Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Central, Social Science Premium Collection, and Hrčak databases. The analysis included 17 original scientific papers published between 2005 and 2025. The findings of the reviewed studies indicate positive impacts of this approach on people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and professionals, as well as certain challenges. The greatest benefits are linked to the dimensions of self-determination, social inclusion, and the subjective life satisfaction of the individuals who are the focus of the planning process. The identified enabling and hindering factors fall into the categories of personal and environmental factors, as well as those related to the planning process itself, with particular emphasis on the characteristics of facilitators, environmental support, and the relationships among participants. To ensure the active involvement of people with intellectual disabilities, as a fundamental feature of the person-centred approach, encouraging their self-determination skills and ensuring the accessibility of the planning process are considered essential. In light of the limitations of the included scientific studies, the need for further, more comprehensive, and longitudinal research has been identified, with an emphasis on qualitative, participatory, and inclusive approaches.
Keywords
person-centred approach, person-centred planning, people with intellectual disabilities
Hrčak ID:
348368
URI
Publication date:
29.6.2026.
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