Making SDP Personal: Hiring Your Dream Team

Hiring support staff through the Self-Determination Program is one of the most empowering (and sometimes most challenging) parts of building a fulfilling plan.

From finding the right people to understanding service codes and staff roles, there’s a lot to navigate — and everyone's approach will look a little different.

Join us for a supportive, practical session designed for individuals & families already enrolled in SDP. We’ll walk through how to identify your support needs, recruit and hire the right people, and structure your team in a way that reflects your unique goals and lifestyle.

What You’ll Learn

• Defining your team: understanding the different types of staff (example: those providing personal assistance in the home versus those teaching skills in the community) and how their titles connect to service codes and budget categories
  
  
• Finding great support: our process for recruiting staff — and creative ways you can do it yourself through neighbors, local job boards, and your community
  
  
• Setting fair pay: how to suggest a reasonable salary for personal assistants or higher-paid roles with added responsibilities like managing timesheets or filling in when staff are out
  
  
• Personalizing your plan: why roles, titles, and vendor codes don’t have to be “one-size-fits-all” — it’s all about matching support to your real needs
  
  
• Practical examples: how everyday supports, like cooking classes or help from a trusted neighbor, can align with Independent Living Skills (ILS) goals under SDP

Why Attend

This session focuses on the people side of SDP — helping you understand not just who to hire, but how to create a team that truly supports your life. You’ll leave with practical tools, examples, and confidence to make your plan work for you.