This study examined the role and participation of facilitators, family members, and friends in the person centered planning process for youth with disabilities. It examined the participation of 10 youth (ages 18-21) with developmental disabilities who took part in Whole Life Planning processes through observation of 34 organizational and planning meetings and 17 interviews with the young people, their parents, and facilitators. The study identified eight factors that encouraged participation by the focus person including: speaking directly to or directing questions toward the focus person, speaking at the focus person's language level, and using accommodations as needed. Three factors that decreased participation were also identified: using jargon, using the third person, and using patronizing language. Also identified were three factors important for the group process: writing suggestions on flip charts, using good group facilitation skills, and actively involving the focus person in the group process. (DB)