California Self-Determination Program (SDP)

The California Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a person-centered alternative to traditional Regional Center services, empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to take control of their own services and supports. This program provides participants with a personalized budget to purchase services that meet their unique needs, offering greater flexibility, choice, and independence. SDP is rooted in the principles of freedom, authority, support, responsibility, and confirmation, ensuring that each person has the ability to design a life that reflects their goals, values, and aspirations.

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Through SDP, participants work with an Independent Facilitator and a Financial Management Service (FMS) to develop and manage their individualized plan. This approach allows for more creative and tailored services beyond those available through traditional Regional Center funding.

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Person-Centered Planning in the California Self-Determination Program

The Person-Centered Planning (PCP) process is the foundation of the California Self-Determination Program (SDP), ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have a voice in designing a life that aligns with their goals, preferences, and values. This process shifts the focus from a system-driven approach to an individual-driven one, emphasizing choice, control, and meaningful community inclusion.

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What is Person-Centered Planning?

Person-Centered Planning is a collaborative and strengths-based process that:

• Identifies an individual’s goals, strengths, and preferences in all aspects of life, including education, employment, relationships, housing, and community engagement.

• Engages a circle of support, which may include family, friends, advocates, and service providers, to help develop a vision for a fulfilling and self-directed life.

• Creates a roadmap for success, outlining the supports, services, and resources needed to achieve the individual's goals.

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The Role of Person-Centered Planning in SDP

As part of the Self-Determination Program, Person-Centered Planning helps participants:

• Develop a Personalized Budget – The plan informs the Regional Center about the participant’s support needs, guiding the development of an individualized budget based on past services and future goals.

• Identify & Secure Services – Participants can explore both traditional and non-traditional services that best meet their needs, beyond what is offered through the Regional Center’s standard service system.

• Promote Independence & Self-Advocacy – The process empowers individuals to make informed choices, take responsibility for their services, and lead a life that reflects their vision.

How We Support Person-Centered Planning

Our team is dedicated to facilitating comprehensive, personalized planning sessions that help individuals and families navigate the Self-Determination Program with confidence. We provide:

• Guided planning sessions to help individuals define their vision and identify key supports.

• Collaboration with families, advocates, and service providers to ensure a well-rounded and inclusive plan.

• Detailed documentation of the plan to help participants communicate their needs effectively with their Regional Center and service providers.

• Ongoing support and revisions to ensure the plan evolves as the individual's needs and goals change.

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At our core, we believe that every individual deserves the right to shape their future, and we are committed to ensuring that the Person-Centered Planning process is meaningful, empowering, and effective.

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Independent Facilitation (IF) Services

An Independent Facilitator (IF) is a key support in the Self-Determination Program, guiding individuals and families through the process of creating and implementing a Person-Centered Plan that aligns with their vision for a fulfilling life. As your trusted Independent Facilitator, we provide:

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• Person-Centered Planning – Helping individuals define their goals, strengths, and support needs to develop a meaningful life plan.

• Budget Development & Support – Assisting in the allocation of the individual's SDP budget to maximize available services and resources.

• Service Provider & Resource Connection – Helping identify and connect with service providers that align with the individual's needs and preferences.

• Ongoing Advocacy & Guidance – Ensuring that individuals and families have the information and support needed to navigate the SDP successfully.

• Regional Center & FMS Coordination – Supporting participants in working with their Regional Center and FMS to ensure a smooth transition into the program.

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Our goal is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by offering expert guidance, advocacy, and resources to make self-determination a reality. We are committed to promoting independence, choice, and meaningful community inclusion for all those we serve.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey in the California Self-Determination Program!