Self Determination Program

what is the self-determination program?

“Self-determination” means having the freedom to shape your own life. The Self-Determination Program (SDP) was designed to allow Regional Center participants the freedom, authority, and support to take charge of their own lives. The Self-Determination Program gives you the chance to choose the services and supports that match your personal goals, unmet needs, and specific circumstances. In SDP, most people find that this control helps them integrate more into their community and live a more fulfilled and empowered life. Here at EnGaged Services, we believe it is vital that participants have a say in the services they receive in order to live a life that is fulfilling and enriching.

In SDP, you have...

Freedom - You plan your own life and make your own decisions to pursue your goals.
Control - You pick the people and supports that help you live, work, and play in your community.
Flexibility - You can continually develop a unique schedule of supports to help you meet your goals, using providers that might not be available in the Traditional Model.
Responsibility - You’re responsible for making decisions in your life, choosing how much to spend on your services, and for being accountable for using public money wisely.

who qualifies for the self-determination program?

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.

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

What are the steps to transition into sdp?

where can i find more information?

The Self Determination Program - Video Series

Created for Alta California Regional Center by Independent Facilitator Training Academy 2024

Your Next Steps for Self Determination

Step 1: Schedule and attend a two-part, 4 hour SDP Orientation - https://scdd.ca.gov/sdp-orientation/

Step 2: Inform your Regional Center Service Coordinator that you are pursuing SDP & plan to utilize EnGaged Services for Independent Facilitation

Step 3: Schedule your 1-hour EnGaged Services Intro Meeting by emailing intake@engagedservices.org

additional Helpful Resources

Alta California Regional Center (ACRC) - How to get Started

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - Self Determination Program SDP

Disability Voices United -Self Determination Interchange and SDPConnect

Facebook Group - Join California Self-Determination Program Forum

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