SDP 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Families Ready to Take the Lead

Are you ready to help a loved one—or yourself—gain more choice and control through California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP)? Whether you're a family member, advocate, or self-advocate exploring your options, this webinar is for you.

This webinar offers a clear, practical introduction to SDP for those just starting out. While the program offers exciting flexibility and empowerment, the process of getting started can feel overwhelming. With unfamiliar terms, paperwork, and new responsibilities, many participants find it helpful—if not essential—to work with an independent facilitator who can guide the planning process, coordinate services, and help translate goals into action.

This webinar will walk you through the basics of SDP, explain how to get started, and highlight how independent facilitators and other key players can make the journey more manageable. You’ll also hear tips and insights from people who’ve successfully navigated the program.

What You’ll Learn:

• What the Self-Determination Program is and how it works in California
• Why families and self-advocates often face challenges during implementation
• The critical role of independent facilitators and how to evaluate one
• How building a person-centered plan and individualized budget works with an independent facilitator
• Tips from families and self-advocates who have been through the process

Who Should Attend:
Self-advocates, family members, and anyone supporting a person with developmental disabilities who wants more flexibility and control in how services are chosen and delivered through SDP.