Introducing the California Self-Determination Program

Do you know about regional center’s best kept secret?

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) offers you choice in how you receive your regional center services.

There are two options in how to receive your regional center service: the traditional system and the Self-Determination Program (SDP). The Self-Determination Program is a voluntary choice for people who receive services from a California regional center. It gives individuals with developmental disabilities more choice and control over the help they get.

In SDP you are not required to use vendored services. You can choose who helps you—including family, friends, or community helpers.

The Self-Determination Program is based on five key principles:

1. Freedom

You have the right to make your own choices about how you live your life.

2. Authority

You control your budget and how your money is spent.

3. Support

You choose the people and services that help you reach your goals.

4. Responsibility

You use your budget in a safe and legal way to meet your needs.

5. Confirmation

You are the decision-maker in your life, and your voice is the most important..

These principles help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have more control and live the life they want.

Learn More through our Monthly Meetings:

For SDP Participants:

SDP Community Lunch Series

Every 3rd Tuesday
12:00-1:00 PM
Zoom

Grab your lunch and join Kristianna to make connections and build a strong SDP community!
Meet financial management services and providers at each meeting.

Register Here

View our previous YouTube videos:

Smart Staffing:
SDP Participant’s Guide to Building Your Team

Three-part series

Dates: May 4, May 11, and May 18, 2026

Time: 4:30-6:00 PM

Register Here

Learn how to be a great boss in the Self-Determination Program

Being a boss is a big job, but you can do it!! This three-part training will teach you how to pick, pay, and lead your own team!!!

Spanish Interpretation provided

Session 1:

Creat the job

Get the position ready. Learn how the FMS helps with taxes and pay. Undertand the paperwork and the insurance.

Session 2:

Find your Team

Learn how to be the boss. How and where to find employees. What a job list shows, and how to pick the best helper for your team

Session 3:

Ge a great leader

Learn the rules for breaks and pay. How to talk through problems and end a job if its not working

For Providers:

SDP Providers Collaboration Meeting

presented by
SDI and My Best Social Life
12:00-1:00pm
Zoom

Join Kristianna and Jeremy for the SDP Providers Collaborative, where you’ll meet fellow SDP providers and local businesses interested in SDP. We’ll get together to share ideas, trade best practices, network, learn, and grow together.

2026 Schedule:

April 20, July 20, and October 19

Register Here

FMS Meeting

Schedule to be announced

Coming soon

This week in SDP:

Calendars
Days of the Week
Time of Day
Venues
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Plain

SDI- SDP Community Lunch Series

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Grab your lunch and join Kristianna to make connections and build a strong SDP community!Meet financial management services and providers at each meeting.

Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) – Local Volunteer Advisory Committee

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Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 5:30pm-7:00pm. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87238460624 ?pwd=zWn3uwR8RcmAbnllcDX7I I0w7XUmMu.

East Los Angeles Regional Center – Local Volunteer Advisory Committee Meeting

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East Los Angeles Regional Center Local Volunteer Advisory Committee  The Zoom link can be found on the ELARC website calendar. More information about the ELARC Local Volunteer Advisory Committee Meeting: https://www.elarc.org/People-We-Serve/Self-Determination/Self-Determination-Local-Volunteer-Advisory-Committee

Inland Regional Center Independent Facilitator Meeting (Professional IFs only)

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Inland Regional Center Independent Facilitator (IF) MeetingThis meeting is for active professional IF’s only.The Zoom link changes monthly. Please contact SHerron@inlandrc.org to be added to a mailing list that shares the link monthly.

Disability Voices United – Think Outside the Box Step by step training

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Think Outside the BoxDescription: Think Outside the Box offers step-by-step training to help Self-Determination Program participants and their supports transition smoothly. Learn key steps like transition supports, budgets, spending plans, and choosing the right financial management service. Hosted by Disability Voices United Interpretation is available in Spanish and Korean. Register Here:  Zoom Registration 
Thu
23

Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) – Local Self-Determination Advisory Committee

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Meets on the 4th Thursday of each month (check website for time).

Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC) – Local Volunteer Advisory Committee

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Join us in person at TCRC Santa Barbara: Join us via Zoom by clicking here: Committee Members: Christopher Benedict / Co-Chair (Self-Advocate) Marcia Eichelberger (Parent) Melissa Fitch (Parent) Ellen Hunt / Co-Chair (Parent) Cynthia Jew (Parent) Elizabeth Guho Johnson (Parent) Jennifer Luca Mara Rupert (Self-Advocate) Sandra Waterbury (Parent) Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy

Inland Regional Center (IRC) – Local Self-Determination Advisory Committee

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Meets on the 4th Thursday of each month from 5:00pm-6:30pm.

To see the entire Calendar:

Click Here

Explore more about SDP:

More About SDP
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