California’s Self‑Determination Program (SDP) gives individuals with disabilities and their families more flexibility and control over the services they receive. But with that flexibility can also come some added complexity.
Delays, unclear approvals, and provider payment issues are common pain points for families navigating the program. In a recent NeuroNav webinar, Program Director Suzy Requarth shared practical strategies for overcoming some of the most common SDP roadblocks.
We’re here to share some key takeaways from the discussion to help keep your plan—and your services—moving forward.
Every year in SDP, participants go through an annual renewal process. This involves recalculating the individual budget and updating the spending plan for the upcoming year.
While it might sound simple, several steps must happen before the new plan can take effect. If the process starts too late, families may need a budget extension, which can sometimes interrupt services.
“Finding ways to prevent delays during the annual renewal process is a really key way to keep things moving smoothly,” notes Suzy Requarth.
Because of this, it’s best to get the ball rolling well ahead of time.
Regional centers must review changes, recalculate budgets, and approve spending plans, which often involve multiple staff members. Starting early allows time for questions, revisions, and negotiations without risking gaps in support.
Another common issue in SDP involves provider onboarding and payments.
Before a provider begins working, they must be cleared by the family’s Financial Management Service (FMS). This includes submitting required paperwork such as tax forms, qualifications, and sometimes background checks.
Starting services too soon can create serious problems.
“If you're hiring your own staff, do not have them work any shifts for you until the FMS has explicitly said they are cleared to work,” Requarth explained.
If a provider works before official approval, the FMS may not be able to pay them for those hours, meaning the family may have to cover the cost themselves.
One step that often causes delays is the required background check through the California Department of Developmental Services. Because this process is specific to SDP, it can take several weeks to complete.
When regional centers review a spending plan, they typically look for one key thing: alignment with the Individual Program Plan (IPP).
Your IPP outlines the services and goals that support your needs. Spending plan decisions should connect directly to those goals.
“Everything should be tied to the IPP,” Requarth emphasized.
In many cases, families can use their budget flexibly. However, some services—especially clinical supports like behavior therapy or speech therapy—may require closer alignment with the original recommendations used to calculate the budget.
Because approvals often involve multiple reviewers at the regional center, this step can take time.
One of the simplest ways to avoid delays is to stay organized. Families should keep important SDP documents in one place, including:
Keeping a record of emails and conversations can also be helpful if questions arise later.
Sometimes issues can’t be resolved through normal follow-ups. When that happens, families may need to escalate concerns.
A typical escalation path may include:
In some cases, families can also contact the SDP ombudsperson for guidance.
The key is knowing that you have options and support.
SDP can open the door to more personalized services, but navigating the system often requires persistence, organization, and a clear understanding of how approvals work.
If you want to learn more strategies for overcoming common challenges, watch the full webinar and explore more resources from NeuroNav, including our newsletter. Our team regularly hosts live events and shares guidance to help individuals and families get the most out of self-determination.
And if you’re looking for more personalized support with SDP, our independent facilitation services are here to help you navigate the process. Schedule a consultation today to see how NeuroNav can help you achieve your goals.