Planning initiatives for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have shifted from traditional planning primarily conducted by caregivers to an individualized planning approach controlled by the person with ID him/herself. The goal of this paradigm shift is to increase individualization of supports to accomplish personal objectives and improve quality of life. Despite the widespread acceptance and promotion of individualized planning, there has been little empirical research to demonstrate its effectiveness. This study compares traditional planning to individualized planning on supports obtained and personal objectives accomplished using a randomized between‐group design. Persons receiving an individualized planning process improved in both supports and personal outcomes as compared to the traditional planning group. When the traditional planning group subsequently received individualized planning, they replicated the results of the first individualized planning group. The findings support implementation of an individualized planning approach in service agencies for individuals with ID.