Starting April 1, 2026, SDP orientation is offered only through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD).
That means you now have one consistent orientation process across California. No matter which regional center serves you, the first step is the same.
If you are getting started with Self-Determination, this update can help make things feel a little clearer. The old system could look different depending on where you lived. Now, there is one orientation process for everyone. That means less confusion, clearer expectations, and a more predictable first step into SDP.
The orientation is also now a live through Zoom two-part series, and each part is 2 hours long. So, it helps to plan for 4 hours total to complete orientation.
SCDD also offers recorded videos for reference only. Those recordings can be a helpful way to review the information, but they do not count for completion.
Important Rules for Completing Both Parts
Here are the key things to know:
- You must attend the live Zoom sessions to get the needed certificates
- You must complete Part A before you can attend Part B
- Each session is 2 hours long
- A certificate is issued for each session you attend
- You must attend the entire 2-hour session to receive that certificate
- Recorded videos are for reference only and do not count toward orientation completion
Important: Bring the Right Information for Your Certificate
To get your certificate, you must attend the full sessions and provide the first and last name of the person served plus their Unique Client Identifier (UCI).**
Your UCI helps connect your orientation completion to the correct regional center record. The person's first and last name also need to match correctly.
You can find the UCI:
- On the participant's IPP
- By asking your service coordinator
If you do not attend the full sessions or do not provide the needed information, you may not get credit for completing orientation. A quick double-check before the session can save you time later.
Ready to sign up? Register for the SCDD orientation here.
What Happens Next?
After you complete each session, SCDD issues a certificate for that session.
That means you should expect one certificate for Part A and one certificate for Part B, as long as you attended the entire 2-hour session and provided the needed information.
Once you have both certificates, share them with your Service Coordinator so you can keep moving forward in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake orientation if I already did it before April 1, 2026?
No! If you completed orientation before April 1, 2026, or if you are already in SDP, you are all set. You do not need to retake orientation.
Can I attend Part B before Part A?
No. The SCDD requires that you complete Part A first.
Is there a cost to attend?
Nope! The orientation is completely free for participants, family members, and authorized representatives.
What if I don't have a computer?
The orientations are held via Zoom. You can join from a smartphone, a tablet, or even call in by phone. Seeing the slides is helpful, but you still have options. If you need help with technology, reach out to sdporientation@scdd.ca.gov.
Stay Connected and Informed
For a full list of resources and a deep dive into the program, visit our Complete Guide to SDP.
You've got this. Gather the person served's first and last name, have the correct UCI ready, attend both live sessions in full, collect both session certificates, and share them with your Service Coordinator to keep moving forward.
