Direct support professionals assist in the person-centered planning process by:

Direct support professionals play a crucial role in the person-centered planning process by supporting individuals as they prepare for meetings. This involves helping to ensure that the person's voice is heard and that they can communicate their preferences, goals, and concerns effectively. By providing support during the preparation phase, direct support professionals empower individuals to express themselves and advocate for their wants and needs, which is essential for creating a personalized plan that reflects the individual's values and aspirations.

In contrast, managing team dynamics, while important in some contexts, does not directly align with the primary role of direct support professionals in the planning process. Providing financial advice falls outside their typical scope of practice and expertise, as does conducting psychological assessments, which are generally performed by trained specialists such as psychologists or psychiatrists. The essence of person-centered planning is to focus on the individual's input and agency, making the support during meeting preparation vital to the effectiveness of the process.