10 Questions to Ask During Your IPP Meeting

Your Individual Program Plan (IPP) meeting is one of the most important conversations you'll have with your Regional Center team. It is your opportunity to discuss goals, identify needs, and work together to develop a plan that supports the life you or your loved one wants to live.

Many families arrive at their first IPP meeting unsure of what to ask. That's completely normal. The meeting can cover a lot of information, and it's easy to forget important questions in the moment.

To help you feel prepared, we've put together ten questions that can guide the conversation and help ensure your IPP reflects your unique goals and priorities.

1. What goals should we focus on over the next year?

Every IPP should be person-centered, meaning it reflects the individual's hopes, strengths, and priorities.

Consider discussing goals related to:

The clearer your goals are, the easier it is to identify services that support them.

2. What services are available that might help us reach these goals?

Many families don't realize how many different types of services may be available depending on an individual's needs.

Ask your Service Coordinator to explain services that may support your goals, such as:

Not every service is appropriate for every individual, but understanding the options can help you make informed decisions.

3. Are there community resources we should explore?

Regional Centers work alongside many community programs.

Your Service Coordinator may recommend "generic resources," including:

These resources often work together with Regional Center services to create a stronger support network.

4. What strengths do you see that we can continue building on?

IPP meetings shouldn't focus only on challenges.

Talking about strengths helps create goals that build confidence and independence.

You might discuss:

Recognizing strengths often leads to more meaningful planning.

5. What skills should we work toward next?

Development doesn't stop after childhood.

Ask what skills could help increase independence over the coming year.

Examples include:

Small steps often lead to significant progress over time.

6. What happens if our needs change before the next annual meeting?

Life rarely stays the same for an entire year.

Ask your Service Coordinator:

Knowing the process ahead of time can reduce stress if unexpected situations arise.

7. How can we become more independent over time?

One of the goals of Regional Center services is to support greater independence whenever possible.

Ask about opportunities that help develop skills rather than simply providing assistance.

This might include:

Building independence often happens one skill at a time.

8. Are we preparing for future transitions?

Every stage of life brings new opportunities and new planning needs.

Depending on age, you may want to discuss:

Planning early often makes transitions much smoother.

9. What should we accomplish before our next IPP meeting?

Leaving the meeting with clear next steps helps everyone stay focused.

Ask questions like:

Having shared expectations helps everyone work toward the same goals.

10. Is there anything we haven't discussed that could help us?

Sometimes the best question is the simplest one.

Your Service Coordinator works with many individuals and families and may know about programs or resources you haven't yet considered.

Ending the meeting by asking if there are additional recommendations can open the door to valuable opportunities.

Remember: Your Voice Matters

The IPP is not simply a form to complete, it's a conversation about building a meaningful life.

You know yourself or your loved one better than anyone else. Your experiences, observations, and goals are essential to creating a plan that truly reflects what is important.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, request clarification, or share concerns. Every question helps your planning team better understand how to support you.

A Helpful Tip

Bring a notebook, or use the notes app on your phone, to write down questions before your meeting and take notes during the discussion.

It's also perfectly okay to ask your Service Coordinator to explain unfamiliar terms or repeat information. There are no "bad" questions when it comes to understanding your services and planning for the future.

We're Here to Support You

At New Beginnings for Exceptional People, we believe that informed families are empowered families. The more you understand the IPP process, the more confidently you can participate in planning for the future.

Remember, your IPP is more than a yearly meeting, it's a roadmap designed to help you or your loved one achieve meaningful goals, build independence, and live the life you choose.

In our next blog, we'll explore how to build a strong, productive relationship with your Service Coordinator and share practical tips for working together throughout the year.