One of the draws of participating in California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) is having permission to use regional center funds in creative, non-traditional ways. Many people would say this IS the main draw.
But how creative can you really get? Can you use your individual budget on anything?
You may have heard that the sky is the limit when it comes to SDP supports. Although that’s basically true, your services and supports still need to stay grounded to your IPP (individual program plan), which can be a balancing act.
NeuroNav’s recent webinar (led by NeuroNav SDP specialist Andrea Bonner) covered some unique ways that SDP participants can bring their person-centered plans (PCPs) to life. The following examples may strike a chord with you, too!
The Fundamental Difference Between the SDP and the Traditional/Regional Center Model
Californians with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) have access to public funds through their regional centers. And, unlike Medi-Cal or Social Security, regional center funds can be used for a wide variety of non-medical needs.
However, when individuals using the traditional model for receiving these funds are searching for SDP supports and services, they must choose vendors approved by their regional center. For example, someone looking for a day program can only consider preapproved vendors or service providers that provide such a service.
Your idea of a fulfilling day program might look different than what these vendors (and, by extension, your regional center) have in mind. That’s the beauty of the SDP—you can expand beyond preapproved vendors and choose supports that actually meet your goals outlined in your PCP.
Finding “Innovative and Non-Traditional” Services within the SDP
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) not only allows SDP participants to find creative ways to live out their PCPs—it encourages it. Look beyond regional center-approved vendors, and you’ll find countless possibilities.
NeuroNav’s independent facilitation team has had the privilege of helping our clients secure funding for numerous creative outlets, including:
- Horseback riding
- Art classes
- Minecraft camp
- Swimming lessons
- Music classes
- Dance classes
- Summer camps
- Heavy metal yoga (yes, you read that correctly!)
These creative outlets can become more than just recreational opportunities, too. One NeuroNav client has begun pursuing a voice acting career after taking voice acting lessons through the SDP. You never know where an SDP support can take you!
Presenting a New SDP Support Idea to Your Regional Center
After you’ve found an exciting new pursuit, you need to start thinking about getting funding approved for it. While now is certainly the time to lean on an independent facilitator (IF), you can play a key part in presenting your case to the regional center.
Sharing the following information is helpful if you’re advocating for new services:
- A change in circumstances (if any) and how the new supports will help you adjust.
- Difficulties you’ve experienced due to not having the service or support.
- Insurance or Social Security denials for the service in question.
- Ways that the service connects to your IPP.
And, as always, show how the service you want to add brings your PCP to life.
“We really want to make sure that you are focusing on the strengths and the abilities in the PCP and what people can do, because what you hear a lot in the traditional system is what they can’t do,” Andrea said in the webinar.
Unleash the Potential of the SDP with NeuroNav
Advocating for the services you want is a big part of what NeuroNav does, but a ton more goes on behind the scenes to make the SDP work for every one of our clients.
Whether you’re interested in enrolling in the SDP or already receiving services, we’d be honored to make sure you’re getting the most out of this unique program. Schedule your free consultation whenever you’d like, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss another webinar!