At its best, the Self-Determination Program offered to eligible Californians with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) helps participants live independent or near-independent lives on their own terms. For some participants, this means holding down a job. Full-time, part-time, self-employment—it’s up to you and your goals.
Beyond simply having generic reasonable accommodations, Californians with IDDs who wish to work have a raft of employment support services available to them thanks to Regional Center services. It’s important to understand, however, what is NOT included or eligible for SDP reimbursement concerning employment supports.
The Goal of SDP Employment Supports
SDP employment assistance is designed to help participants “seek employment and work in competitive integrated settings,” according to the SDP service definitions document prepared by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Continual employment that meets the participant’s career goals is the intended outcome of this type of SDP services.
Delivery of Employment Assistance
When it comes to specific services under the umbrella of employment support, SDP participants have a lot to choose from. Better yet, you can choose a combination of services that fit your needs and career goals. Here are just some ways employment supports may help you find and maintain community employment:
- Counseling on the ways your earned income might affect or interact with public benefits you receive (Medi-Cal, SSDI, SSI, PASS Plans, and other programs)
- Development of skills related to job hunting and interviewing
- Information on navigating professional relationships with coworkers, managers, and other individuals you might regularly interact with
- Advice on developing appropriate soft skills, such as punctuality, attendance, and proper workplace communication
- Education on retirement plans
- Financial management and, for self-employed participants, ways to report income on certain legal documents
- Orientation on supports needed to perform a job’s crucial functions
- Vocational therapy options that aren’t covered by the employer or generic public programs
As with other SDP services, participants and their planning teams (independent facilitators, circles of support) are tasked with using available services in accordance with their individual budgets. With the right planning teams, participants can feel free to get creative in choosing services that meet their loftiest dreams.
Before you begin planning, though, you should know that SDP funds will not cover transportation to and from your place of employment. Additionally, the SDP won’t pay for services eligible for reimbursement under other programs. The SDP is a payor of last resort.
NeuroNav Can Assist in the Discovery of Your Professional Potential
The ability for you to hold down a job—with or without supports offered by the SDP and other public programs—has no bearing on your worth as a person. If, however, your long-term goals include being employed, our independent facilitation firm will do everything we can to help you reach those goals.
We understand the California SDP as intricately as any other entity out there, and we use that knowledge to help clients get the most out of their individual program plans (IPPs). From the beginning of the process, we will be your proud advocates; our goal is to help you reach your goals.
If you’re interested, please feel free to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your options.
