When families first hear about California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP), it can feel overwhelming. The program offers incredible freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with new responsibilities, such as learning new, unfamiliar terms, building budgets, and making decisions about supports.
In a recent NeuroNav webinar, three parents shared their experiences of working with independent facilitators (IFs). They spoke about how IFs guided them through challenges, helped them write strong person-centered plans, and ultimately made the program feel manageable. Here’s a sneak peek at some of what they shared.
How Is an IF Involved in SDP Processes?
The Self-Determination Program offers more choices, but with that freedom comes added complexity. For many families, the first hurdle is simply understanding what’s possible.
Meenakshi, a webinar panelist and parent of an SDP participant, notes that there is a significant amount of “information overload” when families first become involved in the program. However, with an IF, you can have an open dialogue from the start, “letting the families know what is possible and what is not within the scope of SDP.”
Independent facilitators help bridge that gap. They explain terms, clarify rules, and provide context when SDP feels confusing.
Suzy Requarth, Head of Care Management at NeuroNav, compared it to outsourcing financial planning or investments. You turn to an expert who can guide you through the process.
As Meenakshi put it, “We have the IF to turn to…who can help us navigate the process every step of the way.”
How IFs Help with the Transition to SDP
Transitioning from traditional services into the Self-Determination Program can feel intimidating. During our discussion, parents emphasized that you don’t need to figure it out all at once. That’s what your IF is there for.
“It’s helpful to have someone supporting you who really knows the ins and outs of SDP,” says Suzy Requarth.
It’s important to do your research and understand as much as possible, but as NIkki also notes: “I felt like sometimes I got a little bit more confused the deeper I tried to go and understand… the IF was just there to say this is what we're going to do and this is how it's going to work for you, and just kind of trust the process.”
Meenakshi adds, “We don't have to figure out everything… that's where the IF comes in. It’s a learning process… we learn together as a team. You can always course correct through the process as we navigate the system.”
Families explained that an IF doesn’t just answer questions—they help keep things moving forward, even when the details feel overwhelming.
The Person-Centered Planning Process: How IFs Can Help
One of the most important roles of an independent facilitator is supporting the person-centered planning process. A person-centered plan (PCP) is the foundation of SDP. It reflects the individual's strengths, goals, and aspirations.
So, what makes an IF truly helpful during this process? Families highlighted a few qualities:
- Deep listening and respect for family input
- Skill in facilitating conversations that highlight strengths and goals
- The ability to “hold your hand” and guide you step by step
When done well, person-centered planning ensures the individual's voice is at the center of it all and that their plan reflects their true potential.
What Else Can IFs Do for SDP Participants?
The support of an independent facilitator doesn’t end once the plan is written. In fact, many families find that their IF becomes their go-to resource throughout the year.
“The first year, you have a lot of questions… there’s lots going on,” says Meenakshi.
Valerie, another parent of an SDP participant, adds that unless you already know the ins and outs of SDP, “the IF is the most important person that you’re going to go to.”
Families described IFs as safe, reliable guides who listen carefully, answer questions, and make the program feel less intimidating.
Nikki, another parent panelist, shared, “I rely on them very much to guide me…I’ve been able to get the answers I’ve needed.”
How NeuroNav’s IFs Can Help
NeuroNav’s independent facilitators offer a flexible and personalized approach. Families noted that they appreciated not only the expertise but also the adaptability in the kind of support offered.
Nikki reflected, “There are so many things that we just need support [with]. I can’t do it on my own.”
That’s where NeuroNav comes in. From adjusting spending plans mid-year to onboarding new vendors and finding service providers, NeuroNav IFs provide hands-on support that helps families make their goals a reality.
When it comes to having the support of an IF, Meenakshi emphasized, “It’s been helpful, and it’s been life-changing for us.”
Discover Other Ways Independent Facilitators Can Help You
Working with an independent facilitator can transform the Self-Determination Program from an overwhelming experience to an empowering one. With the right IF, families have a trusted guide who listens, educates, and helps make in-depth person-centered planning a reality.
To hear more first-hand stories and accounts of how IFs can help SDP participants, listen to the full conversation in our webinar, Real Stories: How an Independent Facilitator Provides Support in SDP.
At NeuroNav, we believe every individual has the right to a plan that reflects their true potential. Our independent facilitation services provide the expertise, structure, guidance, and compassion needed to make SDP work for you.
Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with NeuroNav’s team and discover how we can support your journey through California’s Self-Determination Program.
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