NeuroNav is proud to have a strong library of blog content explaining California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP). However, we were especially excited to host a webinar featuring three parents of SDP participants who use SDP independent facilitators (IFs) from NeuroNav.
Suzy Requarth, our Head of Care manager, facilitated a Q&A-style webinar with parents Nikki, Meenakshi, and Valerie. Below are some illuminating quotes from that webinar, as well as important information for anyone interested in using an IF to participate in the SDP.
First Off: What is an Independent Facilitator?
An independent facilitator (IF), sometimes referred to more specifically as an SDP independent facilitator, is a professional who helps individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities reach their goals within SDP.
You can think of an independent facilitator as your trail guide as you transition into and navigate SDP.
Depending on your current level of involvement with the SDP, your independent facilitator might help you or your loved one:
- Become informed on person-centered planning (PCP) principles
- Create an individual budget, individual program plan (IPP), or spending plan
- Advocate for the participants’ needs during interactions with Regional Center personnel
- Find and hire service providers that will help the participant achieve their short-term and long-term goals
- Assess IPP shortcomings on a yearly basis and recommend changes
One parent, Meenakshi, spoke highly of her child’s independent facilitator and their usefulness on the webinar. “When we get stuck, when we have questions, we have the IF to talk to, to hold our hands and help us navigate the process every step of the way,” she said.
Does an SDP independent facilitator cost money?
Yes—unless an SDP participant knows someone who will provide independent facilitation services for free, the IF is a paid position. Fortunately, participants can pay IFs from money allotted to them in their individual budgets.
Vendors currently providing non-IF services, parents of minor SDP participants, and spouses or conservators of adult participants are not eligible for payment.
Key Differences Between Regional Center Service Coordinators and Independent Facilitation
The Self-Determination Program offers Californians with IDDs more freedom and control over their Regional Center services. Participants can also receive services that aren’t specifically endorsed by the Regional Center.
Valerie’s child just recently started participating in the SDP. In the webinar, she mentioned that the program has been “an interesting process, but without our IF, I don’t know what we would have done.” Valerie also mentioned that she wasn’t getting solid results from her regional center before she hired a Self-Determination independent facilitator.
Yet another benefit of using an IF is having the ability to negotiate pay rates for service providers. Regional Center service coordinators do not typically have that kind of leverage when hiring vendors.
6 Qualities of an Effective Independent Facilitator
As you interview potential Self-Determination independent facilitators, think about how much they embody the following characteristics:
- They have years of experience navigating the Self-Determination Program
- They have experience working with individuals with the same or similar medical conditions
- They’re willing to think outside the box when it comes to person-centered planning
- They are well-connected with vendors, service providers, and other independent facilitators
- They work in a firm alongside other experienced independent facilitators
- They encourage open communication between clients and themselves
Nikke emphasized the importance of communication with her child’s IF. “There’s so much that I don’t know,” she said. “I rely on them very much to guide me and help me. I feel like I’ve had my questions answered, and I’m 1000 percent more knowledgeable about the program than I was a few years ago.”
Connect With Independent Facilitators Who Know SDP Inside & Out
All three parents who were generous enough to share their IF experiences on NeuroNav’s webinar mentioned how steep the learning curve is for new SDP participants. Implementing a person-centered plan on top of locating and hiring vendors can overwhelm even the most knowledgeable of SDP parents.
NeuroNav’s independent facilitation team is here to both lighten the load and explore new avenues for you or your loved one. We can help with SDP enrollment and renewal, service provider searches, individual budgets, spending plans, and much more.
To hear our full conversation about what it’s like to work with an independent facilitator, check out the full webinar: Real Stories: Hear from Families How an Independent Facilitator Provides Support in SDP.
Want to learn more about what an IF can do for you? Book a free consultation today to get started.
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