What is the Self-Determination Program (SDP)?

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a California initiative that gives people with developmental disabilities more control over the services and supports they receive.

Instead of following a one-size-fits-all model, SDP lets individuals and their families create a personalized plan and manage a set budget to help reach their goals.

This means you, not the regional center, decide how your services are delivered and who provides them.

What Does SDP Offer?

With an individual budget, the Self-Determination Program gives you and your family:

· More flexibility and choice in how you receive support.

· Greater control over decisions, resources, and services that help you meet your Individual Program Plan (IPP)goals.

You can still use services from your regional center—but you’re not limited to their vendors. You can choose other qualified providers and even access services that may not usually be available through the regional center, like:

· Social and recreation programs

· Camps

· Non-medical therapies

· Respite care

How Does It Work?

· Orientation: Attend a Self-Determination Program orientation session.

· Person-Centered Planning: Work with a team to develop a plan that reflects personal goals and preferences.

· Budget Allocation: Receive an individualized budget based on assessed needs.

· Service Selection: Choose services and providers that align with the plan.

· Financial Management: Utilize an Financial Management Services (FMS) to handle payments and manage the budget.

Eligibility

To participate in the SDP, individuals must:

· Have a developmental disability and currently receive services from a California regional center or be a new client.

· Be over the age of 3.

· Live in the community (not in a licensed long-term health care facility).

· Complete an orientation and agree to specific terms and conditions.

Where Can I Attend an SDP Orientation?

You have two primary options to fulfill the orientation requirement for the Self-Determination Program:

1. Regional Center Orientations

Many regional centers offer their own SDP orientations, typically conducted virtually. For example, the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC) provides orientations in both English and Spanish.

These sessions are scheduled regularly, and registration is required. You can find their upcoming orientation dates and registration links on their website. (Further below)

2. Statewide Orientation via the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)

The SCDD offers a statewide, live, two-hour orientation session. This option is available to all interested participants and families across California. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate that can be submitted to your service coordinator to begin the transition process.

How to Register

For Regional Center Orientations: Visit your specific regional center’s website to find the orientation schedule and registration. https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/lookup-rcs-by-county/

For SCDD Statewide Orientation: Register through the SCDD’s official orientation https://scdd.ca.gov/sdp-orientation/

Next Steps After Orientation

After attending an orientation and receiving your certificate:

· Submit the Certificate: Provide the certificate to your service

· Begin the Transition Process: Work with your regional center to start the transition into the Self-Determination Program.