Any eligible regional center consumer may participate in the Self-Determination program on a voluntary basis. The consumer must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Has a developmental disability as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code 4512. 

• Agrees to specific terms and conditions, which include but are not limited to, participation in an orientation for the Self-Determination Program, working with a Financial Management Services entity, managing the Self-Determination Program services within an individual budget; and only purchasing services which are eligible for federal financial participation and not available from a generic agency. 

• Does not live in a licensed long-term health care facility (i.e., a Skilled Nursing Facility or Intermediate Care Facility or State Developmental Center). If an individual living in one of these facilities expresses interest in the Self-Determination Program, through the person-centered planning process, he or she can request that the regional center begin making arrangements for their transition to the Self-Determination Program, provided that he or she is reasonably expected to transition to the community within 90 days. 

• Some children under three years of age may participate in the SDP. To be eligible for the SDP, the child must qualify to receive regional center services under Welfare and Institutions Code 4512. 

Source: https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/frequently-asked-questions/