Planning with, not for: a scoping review of the involvement of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in person-centred support planning

Background Person-centred planning (PCP) is widely promoted as a rights-based approach to support planning for people with disability. However, there is limited consensus regarding how PCP is conceptualised and implemented in practice, particularly for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Methods A scoping review examined how PCP has been conceptualised and enacted in support planning involving the direct participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Systematic searches of ERIC, ProQuest, and PsycINFO identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025. Data were charted and synthesised using descriptive analysis and qualitative content analysis.Results Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Although definitions and implementation varied, common features included collaborative goal setting, individualised supports, stakeholder involvement, and an emphasis on participation and self-determination. Planning primarily focused on assessment and plan development, with comparatively little attention to implementation or review. Reported outcomes included goal attainment, increased choice-making, enhanced participation, and improved quality of life. Accessible communication, supported decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, and organisational capability were consistently identified as important influences on meaningful participation.Conclusions Evidence examining the direct involvement of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in PCP remains limited. Future research should strengthen implementation across the planning lifecycle, develop person-centred outcome measures, and examine the application of PCP across diverse cultural and service contexts.