SDP FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating the Self-Determination Program can bring up many questions. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide clarity and assist you on this journey. If you don't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

QUESTION

What does "Self-determination" mean?"

Self-determination is the right to make decisions about your own life. People with developmental disabilities (DD) have the same right to self-determination as all people - they are entitled to the freedom to choose, the authority to make decisions, and the supports necessary to exercise control over their lives.

Family members, friends, and other allies (known as a circle of support) play a crucial role in aiding self-determination. They are called on to provide support, add context, and work collaboratively in the journey toward achieving the individual’s goals.

Self-determination opens up many opportunities to evaluate how the traditional system can become more person-centered, strength-based, and goal-oriented.

QUESTION

What is California’s Self-Determination Program?

California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) provides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with more flexibility and choice regarding their services and supports.

Individuals are provided with a budget from a California Regional Center. Rather than getting approval for vendorized services, you are provided with a budget for the year that you are able to allocate as you choose.

QUESTION

How does the California Self-Determination Program work?

Your local regional center provides you with an individual budget, and you can choose how to use your budget to purchase the services you need for your person-centered plan (PCP) and Individual Program Plan (IPP). This offers more flexibility in the types of services you may employ: for example, you can purchase services directly from providers or local businesses, hire individual support employees, negotiate unique arrangements with various programs and communities, etc.

QUESTION

What is a Person-Centered Plan?

A Person-Centered Plan highlights the individual’s strengths and goals with the help of their “circle of support”, and is used to advocate for the best service and support plan possible to achieve the individual’s hopes and dreams.

QUESTION

Has the California Self-Determination Program been effective?

The program arose from a 20-year-old pilot project that 200 individuals participated in through five regional centers. The pilot program was incredibly successful but, until recently, wasn't expanded very far beyond the first pilot. It is now being opened up to all Regional Center members throughout the state of California in June of 2021. The initial pilot of 2500 DD individuals and their families is currently underway. You can read more about the Seld Determination Program at the DDS website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/.

QUESTION

How do I sign up for the California Self-Determination Program?

The Self-Determination Program is currently being phased in over the span of three years. On June 5, 2021, the program will be open to all eligible individuals and families. To learn more details regarding SDP for you, contact your local regional center’s Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee.

QUESTION

Am I eligible for the California Self-Determination Program?

To be eligible, you or your family member must:

1. Have an intellectual or developmental disability

2. Currently or about to be receiving services from a California regional center

3. Be above the age of three or eligible for services under the Lanterman Act

4. Not be living in a licensed long-term health care facility

QUESTION

How does the Self-Determination Program differ from traditional services?

How does the Self-Determination Program differ from traditional services?

Self-Determination Program Services	Traditional Services
Personalized services built around you and your family’s specific wants and needs	Standardized, uncustomized services with only “one-size fits all” options
Focus on your individual interests, needs, and wants	Focus on generalized vendor processes, approvals, and regulations
We guide you through the process and explain what you need to know. We're the expert, so you don't need to be.	Communication across lots of governmental agencies and middlemen, lots of processes and regulations for you to navigate through with less support
Streamlined payment through a Financial Management Service provider	Multiple-step vendor process for payments via vendors and agencies

QUESTIONS

What is the difference between your two core services Transition into Self-Determination Program (SDP) and Ongoing Independent Facilitation (already in SDP)?

Transition into Self-Determination Program (SDP)

Ongoing Independent Facilitation (already in SDP)

This service is a one-time support service where we pair clients with a NeuroNav Navigator to support entrance into California’s Self-Determination Program. This includes:

Creating a customized person-centered plan for the next 12 months that specifies goals for the year
Reviewing Regional Center budget allocation to support that plan and creating a spending plan to fund resources for the year
Advising on the final wrap-up phase as a client onboards the Financial Management Service and service providers

For those who have entered the Self-Determination Program (SDP), most through our transition services, this is an ongoing annual service to support clients with many important program components, such as management of annual budget renewals, spending plan updates, and identifying providers.

Every client is different and we have a variety of ongoing plan options to meet different needs and levels of support. The pricing can range from $210 to $2500 a month depending on your needs. This service is entirely covered by your SDP budget and requires no out-of-pocket expenses. If you are interested, please reach out to your Navigator to learn more!

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