Starting California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) can feel like a full-time job. There’s orientation, person-centered planning, budgeting, and hiring providers. For many families, working with an independent facilitator is essential to navigating this process smoothly. But what happens after your plan is approved and services are in place?
In this article, we’ll break down what ongoing independent facilitation looks like, and why continuing support from a self-determination program independent facilitator can be so valuable—long after the initial plan is finalized.
Independent facilitation is a service designed to help individuals and families navigate the Self-Determination Program (SDP). An independent facilitator (IF) works directly for the individual, not the regional center, which means they act solely in your best interest.
An IF is trained to support every part of the self-determination process: developing your person-centered plan, identifying goals, building a budget, and finding service providers. Their role is to empower you to make informed choices and to advocate for your vision of a meaningful life.
Some people choose to work with an IF only at the beginning of SDP. Others opt for independent facilitator ongoing services, which can provide guidance and support as life changes and new challenges arise.
Even after your SDP plan is up and running, there’s a lot to manage. Goals evolve, providers change, and new opportunities come up. That’s where ongoing independent facilitation comes in.
Here are some of the key ways a Self-Determination Program independent facilitator can continue to support you beyond the launch phase.
As your priorities and goals shift over time, your person-centered plan should reflect those changes. An IF can guide you through regular updates, ensuring your self-determination regional center plan continues to match your evolving needs and vision.
Whether you’re dealing with delays, policy questions, or disputes, your SDP independent facilitator can help you prepare for meetings, draft communications, and advocate during conversations with your regional center case manager.
Need to replace a provider, add a new service, or adjust your schedule? IFs help coordinate changes to your spending plan, communicate with your Financial Management Service (FMS), and ensure compliance with SDP rules.
Your independent facilitator for self-determination can help you track your spending throughout the year, prevent overspending, and suggest strategic ways to reallocate unused funds to support new goals.
If you’re looking for new support options, such as job coaching, social inclusion programs, or in-home supports, your facilitator can help identify creative solutions. They can even help you find providers outside traditional regional center vendor lists.
Facilitators often help ensure that everyone on your team is working together effectively. This may include organizing team meetings, resolving conflicts, or simply keeping everyone aligned with the individual’s goals.
The Self-Determination Program was designed to put individuals and families in control—but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Ongoing independent facilitation gives you a trusted partner to help manage change, solve problems, and adapt your plan as life unfolds.
If you're looking for consistent, expert support in navigating SDP, NeuroNav offers ongoing independent facilitation services that grow with you. Whether you're brand new to the program or years into your journey, we're here to help you get the most out of self-determination. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.