Self-Determination Program FAQs
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.
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.
The California Self-Determination Program (SDP) empowers individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to make decisions about the services and supports they receive. Instead of a Regional Center deciding which services a person gets, the family gets to control a budget and select service providers that best meet the individual’s needs, goals, and preferences. This program gives families greater flexibility and choice, allowing for more personalized care that fosters independence.
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.
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.
Traditional services are typically more rigid, with the Regional Center dictating the services a person receives. SDP, on the other hand, gives families the power to choose and personalize the services their loved one receives by giving them a budget to allocate towards services that best meet their goals and preferences.
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Self-Determination Program Services |
Traditional Services |
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Personalized services built around you and your family’s specific wants and needs |
Standardized, uncustomized services with only “one-size fits all” options |
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Focus on your individual interests, needs, and wants |
Focus on generalized vendor processes, approvals, and regulations |
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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 |
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Streamlined payment through a Financial Management Service provider |
Multiple-step vendor process for payments via vendors and agencies |
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.
California residents with developmental disabilities who are clients of a Regional Center are eligible for the Self-Determination Program. Eligibility requirements may vary based on specific circumstances, so families should consult their Regional Center to confirm eligibility.
To be eligible, you or your family member must:
- Have an intellectual or developmental disability
- Currently or about to be receiving services from a California Regional Center
- Be above the age of three or eligible for services under the Lanterman Act
- Not be living in a licensed long-term health care facility
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.
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/.
We believe in choice
At NeuroNav, we believe you and your families are in charge. Our services are 100% funded by your Regional Center.
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We specialize in empowering individuals on their unique Self-Determination journey — reach out to explore with us.