The California Self-Determination Program (SDP) has presented Regional Center customers with many new opportunities to enrich their lives and achieve their goals. With this new program, though, comes a fair amount of responsibility—duties that may initially feel overwhelming to families of Regional Center customers.
One key asset in managing the responsibilities of SDP participation is the circle of support. Californians with IDDs (intellectual or developmental disabilities), as well as their closest friends and loved ones, can lean on their circles of support for help getting the most out of Regional Center services and the SDP structure itself.
What is a Circle of Support?
A circle of support in the context of California’s Self-Determination Program is a core group of individuals who commit to helping someone close to them take advantage of SDP.
The circle of support often helps Regional Center customers:
- Advocate for themselves
- Learn more about services and supports
- Brainstorm ways to make life more fulfilling
The circle of support is vital for true person-centered planning, which is the concept that the needs, wants, and goals of the individual with an IDD should be the priority when the circle helps guide the transition from Regional Center customer to SDP participant.
Who Can Be In a Circle of Support?
No one can technically be excluded from a person-centered planning circle of support, as these groups are informal and not sanctioned by any state or federal law. Generally speaking, anyone who can play a role in advancing the welfare of someone in SDP might be a good fit in a circle of support.
However, some people may be better suited than others to serve, such as:
- Friends
- Family members (often extended ones)
- Coworkers or colleagues
- Neighbors
- Faith leaders
- Teachers
- Classmates
Service providers, vendors, and professionals who provide services in exchange for money may not be good candidates for circles of support because their relationship with the SDP participant is transactional. The best advocates usually consist of those with purely voluntary relationships with SDP participants.
What Can a Circle of Support Accomplish for Someone in the Self-Determination Program?
Circles of support can help by facilitating big-picture care strategies for the person at the center. Those who care for SDP participants every day often worry about a disruption or dip in quality of care and services if they were to suddenly pass away or become incapacitated. Creating a circle of support can help ensure continuity of care for your loved one.
Another benefit of having a circle of support is that SDP participants feel like a whole community of people—not just their caregivers—want to see them thrive. These individuals can also help participants combat isolation and loneliness, which disabled people experience at higher rates.
Circle of Support Example
Let’s say that 19-year-old Miguel, an autistic adult who has recently graduated from high school, is looking to transition into SDP after receiving Regional Center services.
With college on the horizon, Miguel is looking for support with on-campus living. He’s also hoping to find new ways to stay engaged with theater–his passion and one of his special interests.
As a lifelong thespian, Miguel has grown close to many of his former castmates and peers. Some of them are even going to the same college as him! Likewise, Miguel’s parents got to know Miguel’s teachers, his friends’ parents, and others involved in the community theater space.
Because Miguel and his parents would like some ideas for how to maximize his participation within SDP, they ask some of his close friends and fellow theater lovers to come together to brainstorm.
As Miguel transitions into SDP, he may choose to include one or more of these individuals in his circle of support.
Find More SDP Resources at NeuroNav
The circle of support for California’s SDP participants plays a crucial role in person-centered planning through personal advocacy, brainstorming, and regular, informal meetings.
There are limits, however, to what a circle of support can and should do. An independent facilitator, who understands the unique contours and nuances of the state's SDP, can fill in the remaining gaps.
NeuroNav helps clients with every stage of the SDP process, from enrolling in the program to developing an individual budget and securing vendors.
For more information on how we can help your loved one succeed and thrive within SDP, set up a free consultation with our staff.