If you’re familiar with the Self-Determination Program in California, you might have heard the term independent facilitator. This person can be an important ally for people with an intellectual or developmental disability who get services through the SDP. But with any service comes an important question: who’s going to pay? Let’s dive into how, if at all, your SDP budget covers an independent facilitator’s salary – and what you need to do to get started.
What is an Independent Facilitator, Exactly?
An independent facilitator helps Regional Center customers get the most out of individual budgets and spending plans after entering California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP).
Instead of going to a Regional Center and allowing the staff to purchase and arrange for services, SDP participants receive an individual budget and choose services based on their needs and goals.
Navigating the process of becoming a Regional Center customer and enrolling in the SDP can be complex. An independent facilitator generally advocates on behalf of participants and can do the following:
- Recognize, identify, and prioritize a participant’s needs while developing a person-centered plan
- Participate in meetings with participants and their circles of trust
- Assist in making an individual program plan (IPP)
- Update plans when participants’ needs or goals change
- Locate service providers based on a participants’ person-centered plan
Do Regional Centers Pay an Independent Facilitator’s Salary?
Not exactly. If SDP participants choose to hire an independent facilitator, they must pay for their services out of their individual budget. In other words, a Regional Center doesn’t pay the salary; your SDP budget does.
Because independent facilitators are paid through an individual budget, which they often have a hand in developing, they are not allowed to work for any other service provider. Additionally, spouses of participants and parents of minor participants may not receive payment for services as an independent facilitator.
Understanding SDP Payment and Independent Facilitators
Independent facilitators only come into play when SDP participants hire them. The traditional method of getting Regional Center services involves a service coordinator or other staff member arranging services. That’s why many people refer to independent facilitators as Self-Determination Program independent facilitators.
What is Involved in an Independent Facilitator’s Training?
Anyone wishing to become an SDP independent facilitator in California must undergo training that touches on key tenets of person-centered planning and self-determination in the context of the SDP. The state does not currently institute a licensing system for independent facilitators, but experienced ones typically will have gone through many training and informational seminars.
How to Find an Independent Facilitator
One resource that might be helpful is the Independent Facilitator Network, which can help connect SDP participants, independent facilitators, and service providers. You might want your independent facilitator to have the following:
- Experience helping SDP participants with similar health conditions
- Good communication and customer service
- A helpful, can-do attitude
- Compassion for people with disabilities
NeuroNav has a team of empathetic, caring, and effective independent facilitators ready to assist you. We are proud to have a neurodiverse team that understands the value of leading an independent life.
Getting started with us is easy—just provide some basic information, and someone will contact you to confirm your free consultation. We look forward to helping you realize and achieve your dreams!
