The National Disability Authority (NDA) was established in June 2000 as an independent statutory body. One of the functions of the NDA, as outlined in the NDA Act (1999), is ‘to support the achievement of good standards and quality in the provision of programs and services provided or to be provided to people with disabilities’.

In the course of nationwide consultation on its work programs, 2002, person-centered planning in the provision of services for people with disabilities in Ireland was identified as one of the areas requiring the NDA’s attention.

Supporting good practices in person-centered planning will help the government to deliver on its commitment to providing quality services for people with disabilities. The new draft of National Standards for Disability Services makes explicit reference to person-centered planning as a key reference point for the development and delivery of services for people with disabilities.

In order to be effective, it is important that person-centered planning be adopted thoughtfully, carefully, and in a way that is tailored to the individual at the center of the planning effort.