Map and Path

PATH is there when a situation is complex and will require concerted action, engaging other people and resources, over a longish period in order to make an important vision real.

MAPs are tools designed to help individuals, organizations and families figure out how to move into the future effectively and creatively.

PATH

PATH was developed by Jack Pearpoint, Marsha Forest and John O'Brien from 1991 onwards. It can be used as a planning style with individuals and with organisations. When used in person centred planning, the person and the people she wants to invite meet together with two facilitators to work through the process.

PATH works well when an individual has a group of people around her who are committed to making things happen. Using the PATH process enables people to understand and take control of the situation.

MAP

MAPs is a planning style developed by Judith Snow, Jack Pearpoint and Marsha Forest with support from John O'Brien and others. It was used first as a tool for helping disabled children integrate into mainstream schools, but is now used more widely in person centred planning with children and adults.

MAPs is typically used in a meeting lasting 2-3 hours with the person and those close to her. It can also be used one to one. If used in a meeting it is essential that there are two facilitators, one to guide the process and the second to record it graphically. The MAPs process has eight steps.