--- title: Who is the Self-Determination Program Best For? description: The Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives Californians with disabilities more choice in the services they receive. Here’s how to tell if SDP is right for you. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/30.png --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for#main-content) [![nn_logo_wide_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), - [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) # Who is the Self-Determination Program Best For? ![An adult with a disability smiling and taking a selfie outdoors](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/30.png) Since 2013, California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) has been an option for individuals looking to exercise more self-advocacy when it comes to supportive disability services. For those who feel limited by traditional resources, it offers flexibility and freedom, allowing them to pick the services that will help them achieve a better quality of life. So, is SDP the right choice for you? Here’s what you should know. ## What is the Self-Determination Program (SDP)? California’s [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/frequently-asked-questions/) offers more freedom and flexibility in choosing the best services for people with disabilities. It allows individuals and their families to have a greater say in selecting the resources they need to meet personal goals and aspirations. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) runs the SDP in line with the [Lanterman Act](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/lanterman-act-eligibility), a California law that protects certain rights of people with disabilities. One of these is the right to receive the supportive services they need to have the same quality of life as those without disabilities.  SDP Participants are given a budget that they can use for approved services. These may include housing, education and employment supports, accessibility tools, and activities that encourage independence.    ## Who is Eligible for SDP Services? For anyone interested, this is one of the most important [questions about the SDP](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/self-determination-faqs). It’s open to those with a qualifying disability who have received Regional Center services.  Participants are required to: - Attend an SDP orientation - Enlist the help of a Financial Management Service (FMS) - Make a Person-Centered Plan - Agree to specific conditions outlining how they can use their personal SDP budget To be eligible for the SDP, participants must live in the community and not in a long-term care facility like a nursing home or State Developmental Center. However, if someone living in one of these facilities wishes to enroll in the SDP, they can begin the process so long as they plan to transfer to community living within 90 days.   ## Who is SDP Best For? The SDP is a great option for those who find that their needs aren’t being met by traditional Regional Center services.  **Some individuals who may find the program helpful include:** - Individuals with complex needs who want more diverse support options - Self-advocates seeking a more hands-on approach to their services - College students who need tailored support for education and life - Families who want more choice - Clients who have a lot of support staff or require 24-hour care - Those transitioning into adulthood - Anyone exploring independence and increased self-advocacy ### Who isn’t a good fit for SDP? SDP isn’t the right choice for everyone. It requires additional time, effort, and attention—things that not everyone can spare. Calling in the help of an [Independent Facilitator](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/what-is-an-independent-facilitator) can help reduce these demands, freeing up time and energy for those enrolling in the SDP. However, they will still need to be available for important personal decisions and approvals.  **SDP may not be a good fit for those who:** - Have urgent needs requiring consistent, traditional support - Lack support from family or caretakers - Have a primary service provider that doesn’t accept SDP payments - Don’t have availability to manage services month-to-month - Already have the services they need ## Discover How to Get Started with California’s SDP with NeuroNav For eligible Californians, the SDP can open doors to new opportunities. NeuroNav is your source of support, information, and advice when it comes to getting the resources and tools you need to live your best life.  With our [independent facilitation services](https://neuronav.org/services), we can help you make a plan, find resources, and pick services that will help you make the most of the SDP. [Book a consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) today and discover what’s possible with Neuronav on your side.  ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. [![A hard of hearing adult with a hearing aid smiling at a cell phone](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/51.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-ideas-deaf-plus-community) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living), [Representation](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/representation) ### [4 Things SDP Can Pay For: Ideas for the Deaf Plus Community](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-ideas-deaf-plus-community) May 13, 2025 When it comes to navigating the world with a disability, services and supports are never one-size-fits-all. Hard of... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-ideas-deaf-plus-community) [![A young woman with Down Syndrome stands in the middle of a group of friends and family and smiles](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/SDP%20Success%20Stories.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-success-families-talk-about-working-with-independent-facilitators) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Neurodiversity & Disability Education](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/neurodiversity-disability-education) ### [SDP Success: Families Talk About Working With Independent Facilitators](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-success-families-talk-about-working-with-independent-facilitators) September 30, 2025 NeuroNav is proud to have a strong library of blog content explaining California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP).... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-success-families-talk-about-working-with-independent-facilitators) [![Two adults facing a wall with post-it notes stuck to it.](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/63.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/pros-cons-sdp-independent-facilitator) [Person-Centered Planning](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/person-centered-planning), [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [The Pros and Cons of Working with an SDP Independent Facilitator (vs. Becoming One Yourself)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/pros-cons-sdp-independent-facilitator) August 13, 2025 Navigating California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) can be incredibly rewarding, but also overwhelming. That’s why... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/pros-cons-sdp-independent-facilitator) Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? Embark on your Self-Determination journey with confidence. Request your free consultation with NeuroNav and discover the personalized support waiting for you. [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) Subscribe for ### Interested in More Insights? Stay in the loop with the latest from our blog. Sign up now and never miss out on empowering stories, tips, and updates. 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If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-15T20:39:20.059Z", "datePublished" : "2025-02-06T14:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Who is the Self-Determination Program Best For?", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/30.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" } } } ```