This practical handbook guides transition specialists, teachers, and parents in using PICTURE, a proven method for helping individuals with disabilities and mental disorders live in a community. Via a step-by-step guide and case studies, the book explains methods for helping people with disabilities and mental disorders develop job skills, seek health care, participate in recreational activities, face challenging situations, and travel successfully. With PICTURE, the therapies, teaching, and behavioral interventions take place in a neighborhood community, not in a segregated environment such as an institution. In addition to providing individuals with real experiences, this methodology brings professionals into the communities, thereby further promoting inclusive practices.

Table of Contents

About Person-Centered Planning and PICTURE; An Overview of the PICTURE Approach; A Brief History of Person-Centered Planning; A Snapshot of the Person-Centered Process; Bureaucratic Systems and Person-Centered Planning; Comparison of Clinical Problem-Solving and Person-Centered Planning; How is the PICTURE Method Different?; Eleven Principles of PICTURE; A Lifestyle Checklist; A Step-By-Step Guide; Before you Begin: Keys to Success Securing Organizational Support How to Be an Effective Facilitator Qualities of a Powerful Team Consider a Community Advisory Board; Conducting the Meetings: A Step-By-Step Guide; Step 1: Get to Know the Person; Step 2: Develop PICTURES of the Present and Future; Step 3: Plan a Better Future; Step 4: Implementing the Plan; The Story of Nicole; Using Evaluation to Improve the Picture; Evaluating the Person, Team, and Organization; Exercises for the Planning Team; Exercises for the Management Team; Troubleshooter's Guide to PICTURE; References; Recommended Reading; Questionnaires and Worksheets.