Is Self-Determination Right for Me?

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) might be right for you if:

You want more choice about who helps you.
You want to hire people you know and trust—like friends, family, or people from your community.
You want to create your own plan based on what matters most to you.
You are ready to be more involved in making decisions about your services and supports.
You want flexibility in how and when you get help.

You don’t have to do it alone. You can build a team to support you, and there are people like Independent Facilitators and Financial Management Service (FMS) providers to help you every step of the way. If you like the idea of making more choices and being in charge, SDP could be a great fit for you!

Who is eligible for SDP?

Be a client of the regional center
Be over the age of 3 years old*
Live at home or in the community—not in a hospital or care facility. (If you are moving out soon, you may still be able to join.)

*Most 3-year-olds are in the Early Start and not part of the traditional regional center. Check with your service coordinator if you are not sure!

How much work will SDP be?

In the Self-Determination Program, you get more choice and control. That also means more responsibility. You will help find your own services and workers, make sure they are set up with your financial manager, make schedules, check hours and invoices, and keep track of your budget.

Most people say it’s worth it because they get the help they want, when they want it, from people they choose. How much time it takes depends on what you need and how many services you use. You don’t have to do it alone—your independent facilitator (if you choose to use one), service coordinator, and financial manager will help you.

What if I have low or no Regional Center Services?

Many people consider moving to the Self-Determination Program because the current traditional services are not working for them or they have not been using any regional center services. It is okay if you have no to low regional center services.

The budget starts being calculated based on the last 12-months of authorized services. However, if you do not have any, the IPP team can meet to discuss your person-centered plan and determine if there are services that need to be added to your budget.

Similarities between Traditional Services and SDP

In the Self-Determination Program you are still a regional center client. That means there are some similarities no matter if you are in traditional or SDP. These include:

These are MediCaid dollars and must follow the same rules. The regional center is the payor of last resort so generic resources must be attempted first. You will still have a service coordinator to assist you. The services must be in your IPP in order to have them in your spending plan.

Most important, you have all of the same rights and protections no matter what program you are in.

SDP Frequently Asked Questions

Am I still a regional center client?

Yes, you are still a regional center client with the same rights, like Fair Hearing process. You’ll keep your service coordinator and have yearly IPP meetings. You can’t be in both traditional and SDP at the same time. If you want to keep a traditional service, the vendor must agree to be paid through your SDP financial management service.

Can I hire family or friends to help me?

Yes, as long as they meet basic requirements. They must be eligible to work in the United States, be able to pass a background check, and, in most cases, be 18 years old (there are some exceptions for hiring youth). Parents of minors cannot be paid to provide support.

Can I switch back to the traditional system?

Yes, you can go back to the traditional system at any time. If you want to return to SDP, you will have to wait 12 months.

Do I have to use vendored providers?

No, the only vendored provider you are required to use in SDP is the financial management service. You can use services from your community that you select.

Can I pay for school district services that I do not like?

SDP is paid for from Medi-Cal funding and has the same rules as the traditional system. That means you must attempt to use a “generic resource” such as the school district or insurance first before the regional center can pay for a service.

Is it more work than the traditional system?

Yes, a little. You (or someone helping you) will need to manage your budget and help choose providers, but many people say it’s worth it for the flexibility.

Will I get help in SDP?

You can get help from an independent facilitator, your financial management service, and your service coordinator. They can guide you through the process and help with planning and paperwork.

SDP is right for me! Let’s get started:

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