What is the DSP's role as a member of the person-centered planning team?

The role of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) as a member of the person-centered planning team primarily involves supporting an individual's goals, desires, and needs. This is fundamental to person-centered planning, which prioritizes the individual's preferences and aspirations in their care and support. The DSP engages with the individual to understand their unique situation, values, and choices, ensuring that planning reflects what is important to them. By focusing on the individual's goals, the DSP fosters a supportive environment that encourages autonomy and empowerment, facilitating a plan that is tailored to enhance the individual's quality of life.

The other options, while they may involve important aspects of a support role, do not capture the essence of the DSP's primary function within this specific context. Leading the planning process is typically not the role of a DSP; rather, it may be done by a designated facilitator or coordinator. Providing training for other team members might form part of a DSP's responsibilities in specific contexts, but it is not central to person-centered planning. Similarly, analyzing an individual's past experiences can be relevant, but the main focus during planning should be on envisioning the future that aligns with the individual's current wishes and needs, rather than solely reflecting on history.