An Interpretation of Person-Centered Thinking in Services and Supports

In an interview, Dr. Michael Smull describes five elements that exemplify a person-centered thinking environment that are commensurate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rules.*  

Statement "the person chooses" in middle of a circle with the phrases "who supports", "where they live" "with whom they live", What they do with their time", and "how they spend their resources.

These five elements were described by Michael Smull, the founder of Person-Centered Thinking practices and tools which apply to people who receive services and support.  

Moving From Service Life to Community Life

Service Life

  • “Important for” addressed
  • No organized effort to address “important to”

A Good Paid Life

  • “Important to” and “important for” are present
  • The closest people are paid support or family
  • Few real connections

Community Life

  • “Important to” and “important for” are present
  • Active circle of support
  • Included in community life

In the summer of 2012, Michael Smull gave a 2-day workshop in Kentucky, hosted by the Kentucky Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.  During this training, he challenged people as to whether or not it is reasonable for everyone who receives paid support to be given at least “A Good Paid Life”.  

*CMS is the federal agency that approves all Home and Community-Based Waivers and, in Kentucky, funds 70% of all services through these waivers which serve about 25,000 Kentuckians with disabilities. 


Source: The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices, Inc. 2008 

Data source: Michael Smull reflections on Person-Centered Thinking, retrieved on 7/5/19 from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rmLtU6FYBE