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:
Grab your lunch and join Kristianna to make connections and build a strong SDP community!
Meet financial management services and providers at each meeting.
View our previous YouTube videos:
Three-part series
Dates: May 4, May 11, and May 18, 2026
Time: 4:30-6:00 PM
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:
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
Coming soon
This week in SDP:
Kern Regional Center (KRC) – Local Self-Determination Advisory Committee
Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) – Local Self Determination Advisory Committee
Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SSDAC)
KRC-Independent Facilitator Roundtable (Professional IFs only)
Westside Regional Center Independent Facilitator Roundtable (Professional IFs only)
Westside Regional Center – SDP Support Group
The Independent Facilitator Network Monthly Meeting
NLACRC – SDP Support Group
Harbor Regional Center (HRC) – Local Self-Determination Advisory Committee
San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) – Local Self-Determination Advisory Committee
Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center (FDLRC) – Local Self-Determination Advisory Committee