We all want to lead fulfilling, independent, self-determined lives. Some autistic adults need unique, specialized support when it comes to meeting their personal, educational, and professional goals. Autistic adults can use their personal Self Determination Program (SDP) budget to pay for a range of services, including employment assistance, social development, and independent life skills.
If you’re wondering how SDP can help you pay for the tools you need to achieve your dreams, we’ve outlined a handful of options you might be surprised to learn about!
The Self-Determination Program allows Californians with disabilities to have more say in the supportive services they receive. These include activities that help individuals get more involved in their community, such as recreational programs, classes, and social outings.
It can also help pay for assistive technology and modifications to homes and vehicles to better accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. These are paid for through an individual budget outlined during the enrollment process.
When individuals enroll in the SDP, they receive a budget for services arranged by their local regional center.
The regional center is responsible for arranging, coordinating, and paying for services that align with the Individual Program Plan—a document that outlines which activities, programs, and supportive services will help a person meet their personal goals. A person-centered plan–which focuses on a participant’s self-determination goals and places them at the center of the decision-making process–can also be developed to inform the IPP.
An individual’s SDP budget can be used to pay for a wide range of things that help them live a more independent, fulfilling life. It covers things that Medicaid/Medicare and other government assistance programs often don’t pay for.
Because there are a number of helpful services the SDP covers, autistic adults should know the many exciting possibilities! Here are some things that an SDP budget can pay for.
A clean home is about more than a tidy place to live: it’s a matter of health, safety, and functional independence. An SDP budget can pay for household cleaning services, as well as programs that teach cleaning skills.
Non-medical transportation is an important feature of SDP coverage. This includes personal transportation and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Having a reliable way to get around is important for maintaining education, employment, and participating in social activities that help us lead independent lives.
Improving social involvement and engagement is a core goal of SDP. Autistic adults can find social situations difficult to navigate, making virtual friendships a powerful alternative for expanding their circle.
Participants can use their budget to pay for premium versions of apps that help them meet new people with similar interests. Read our piece about safe dating on the spectrum to learn more about dating apps and connecting with others safely online!
Computers, laptops, tablets, and cell phones are an integral part of everyday life for most people. For adults with disabilities, these can be helpful assistive tech options, offer greater employment opportunities, and be sources of enjoyment and play.
An SDP budget can pay for new devices and any training necessary to use them. Individuals can develop their computer skills to pursue greater independence and find fulfillment in their hobbies, such as video game design, writing, and website coding. They can also use their budget to pay for software tools that improve accessibility, communication, and more.
When navigating the complexities of SDP enrollment, it’s often helpful to have an expert on hand to help guide you through the process. Independent facilitators help clients manage the ins and outs of selecting services, arranging support, and advocating for their needs and wants.
Though individuals coordinate services through their regional center, an independent facilitator gets paid via their personal SDP budget.
Your personal SDP budget can help pay for a whole host of supportive services, activities, and products that help you enjoy a better quality of life. NeuroNav is here to help you take meaningful steps toward achieving your personal goals.
NeuroNav’s Self-Determination Program independent facilitator services are here to help Californians get the most out of their budget. As program experts, we’ll help you navigate the SDP enrollment process and find the opportunities that speak to you.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more and take the next step in your self-determination journey.