California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) heralded a new era in caring and providing services for individuals with IDDs (intellectual or developmental disabilities). Rather than receiving services from regional centers—the “traditional” method—SDP participants and their families have some freedom to get creative with supports.
These supports, however, must still fit into the framework of service codes. SDP service codes bridge the gap between the person-centered IPP (individual program plan) and funding provided by the Lanterman Act. Inspired by a recent webinar, we’ve laid out some ways you can take advantage of the SDP’s flexibility while ensuring your funding requests get approved.
The Importance of Self-Determination Program Service Codes
SDP service codes provide regional center staff with existing guidelines to help approve and track support requests from program participants. Each code—of which there are 42—corresponds with a specific service, such as non-medical transportation, community living supports, home health aide, and even independent facilitators.
Each service requested by participants must have a service description that connects to their goals in the SDP. Writing precise and accurate service descriptions is key to exercising the flexibility afforded to SDP participants.
4 Common SDP Service Codes and How to Get Creative with Each One
In our webinar, Suzy Requarth, NeuroNav’s Head of Care Management, introduced several SDP service codes that can cover a wide range of services and supports within the program. Below are four ways participants can use these service codes to fund programs that help reach their goals.
1. Community Integration Supports — 331
Code No. 331 falls under the category of “Employment and Community Participation,” which aims to help regional center customers enmesh themselves in the fabric of their communities.
“This is a really big category you can do a lot of really cool things in,” Suzy said. Participants can use it to purchase museum passes, classes, camps, or even sports equipment for recreation—anything “fun that allows you to get out in the community,” Suzy added.
2. Respite Services — 310
On the surface, the description of respite services can seem narrow. Many participants and their families assume it means that someone can only sit in the house and simply look after the participant.
Suzy explained, though, that participants can circumvent the sometimes-restrictive respite services category and instead have someone take them out into the community. Additionally, an employee or service provider can provide respite services on some days and personal assistance on different days. If personal assistants can take on some of the respite care duties, it can free up funding for other things.
3. Technology Services — 336
Technology services are a crucial service offering for SDP participants, as traditional services do not have a comparable category. Because applying for jobs on a small smartphone screen is hard for many people with IDDs, many use this SDP service code to purchase laptops or tablets for easier access to online employment portals during job searches. Accessibility software is also something many participants purchase through code No. 336.
4. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) — 358
Within this service code, traditional services through regional centers often pay for something called LifeLine, a wearable electronic device that alerts emergency responders at the push of a button. SDP participants often branch out to wearable devices that let loved ones track their locations when they’re outside the home. Having that extra layer of protection is critical for many individuals with IDDs.
Learn More About Services & Supports for Adults with IDDs
The examples we included in this blog entry only scratch the surface of the SDP’s potential. Participants have a great deal of flexibility with their supports, but connecting requests to their IPPs and goals can be easier said than done. Making those dreams a reality is where a skilled independent facilitator can be essential.
NeuroNav’s experienced team of independent facilitators helps participants in all stages of the SDP process. From onboarding to monitoring, we’re passionate about helping Californians with IDDs find their dignity and achieve their goals. Reach out at your convenience to schedule a free consultation.
You can view the hour-long webinar in its entirety here and stay connected with NeuroNav by subscribing to our free email newsletter.