SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM (SDP)

WHAT IS THE

SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM?

This program gives you and your family more freedom, authority, and responsibility in choosing services and supports to meet the Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals. It gives families an individual budget to purchase the support and services your family needs to THRIVE! Regional Centers and the Department of Social Services collaborate to provide financial assistance to our families.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  1. Collaborate with Your IPP Team
    Work with your Individual Program Plan (IPP) team to develop your individual budget and spending plan based on your goals and assessed needs.

  2. Choose Your Service Providers
    You have the freedom to select and arrange services from qualified providers—this can include individuals, small businesses, community-based programs, or vendored agencies.

  3. Work with a Financial Management Service (FMS)
    You are required to use a vendored Financial Management Service (FMS) provider to:

    • Manage your budget

    • Hire and pay staff

    • Ensure compliance with tax and employment laws

SELF-DERTMINATION PROGRAM TOOLKIT

CREATE YOUR CARE TEAM WITH THE SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM

FAQ’S

  • Self-determination is a life-changing service for recipients and a game-changer for the system.

  • Many people can!

    • The Autism Guide

    • Regional Center Service Coordinator

    • Financial Management Services Provider

    • Independent Facilitator

    • Self-Determination Team your regional center.

  • Self-Determination allows parents and participants to take the funds Regional Center would have spent and direct those funds to purchase the services that are truly needed and desired.

  • No, parents must develop a spending-plan, which must be certified by the Regional Center. The services in a participant’s spending-plan must support the goals outlined in the IPP.

  • Yes, SDP requires participants to use an FMS. The basic duty of an FMS is to track and manage the budget, pay care providers, and pay for approved services and supports.

  • FMS services can be offered under 3 different models. To determine which FMS model is right for you, please review the model guide.

  • If you're a service provider like us and want to offer your services to self-determination program participants, you can today!

    Here's How: Service Provider Guide