Is SDP Right For Me?
Wondering if the Self-Determination Program (SDP) is right for you? SDP gives you more choice and freedom over your services and supports but it does take more time, responsibility, and planning than traditional Regional Center services.
Many participants find that the extra effort is worth it for the flexibility they gain. But SDP is not the best fit for everyone — and that’s okay.
Who SDP Works Well For:
- People with complex needs who want a wider range of support options
- Self-advocates who want to be hands-on with their own services
- College students who need support that fits both school and daily life
- Families who want more choice and flexibility in services
- People with a large support staff, or who need 24-hour care
- Young adults transitioning into adulthood
- People who want more independence and stronger self-advocacy
Who May Not Find SDP a Good Fit:
SDP takes more time and effort to manage. An Independent Facilitator can help, but someone still needs to stay involved in day-to-day decisions.
- People with urgent needs who require steady, traditional support right away
- People without family, friends, or caregivers to help
- People who don’t have time to manage ongoing services
- People who want to keep using a provider that does not accept SDP payments
- People who are already happy with their current services
Considerations
This table lists the benefits and things to consider when deciding to enroll in SDP.
| Benefits of SDP | Things to Consider in SDP |
|---|---|
| You design services around your life. | Takes more time and personal responsibility. |
| You control how your funds are spent. | Requires planning and organization. |
| You can hire people you trust. | Budget approvals or hiring can take time. |
| Encourages independence and creativity. | More paperwork than traditional services. |
SDP vs. Traditional Regional Center Services
This table displays the differences between the Self Determination Program versus the Traditional Regional Center Services.
| Category | SDP | Traditional Services |
|---|---|---|
| Choice & Control | You choose who provides your services, how, and when. | Services come from Regional Center–approved providers. |
| Budget | You get a set yearly budget and decide how to use it, within program rules. | The Regional Center manages your budget. |
| Staffing | You can hire, train, and supervise your own staff — in some cases, even family members. | Regional Center vendors provide your staff. |
| Paperwork | You help manage services, invoices, and planning. | The Regional Center handles most of the paperwork. |
| Creativity | Funds can pay for creative, non-traditional supports that fit your life. | Funds pay only for standard, pre-approved services. |
| Support System | Works best if you have family, friends, or advocates to help with planning. | Works even without extra help — Regional Center staff coordinate most things. |
| Best Fit For | People who want independence and flexibility, and can take on added responsibility. | People who prefer a structured system with less administrative work. |
Eligibility & Requirements
Who Is Eligible for SDP?
SDP is open to all Regional Center clients under California’s Lanterman Act — the state law that created Regional Centers and services for people with developmental disabilities. Participation is voluntary. You can return to traditional Regional Center services at any time.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a developmental disability as defined under Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 4512
- Not currently live in a licensed long-term health care facility, such as a Skilled Nursing Facility, Intermediate Care Facility, or State Developmental Center
If you live in one of these facilities and want to join SDP, you can start the Person-Centered Planning process and ask your Regional Center to help arrange a transition. Once you are reasonably expected to move into the community within 90 days, you can enroll.
Program Requirements
SDP is open to all Regional Center clients under California’s Lanterman Act — the state law that created Regional Centers and services for people with developmental disabilities. Participation is voluntary. You can return to traditional Regional Center services at any time.
Joining SDP means agreeing to:
- Attend an SDP orientation
- Work with a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider
- Manage your services within an approved individual budget
- Use funds only for services that qualify for Medi-Cal (Medicaid) funding and are not available through another resource, like schools, IHSS, or insurance