Helpful Links
The Helpful Links page serves as a quick index containing a number of useful links to resources for the Self-Determination Program. Comprised of a variety of formats from PDF documents, Websites, and YouTube videos, the index offers links to topic overviews, directories, and tools all valuable to the program.
Learn SDP - What is SDP & Get Oriented
DDS – Self-Determination Program
California’s Department of Developmental Services official SDP overview: what the program is, who’s eligible, and statewide updates.
SCDD – Self-Determination Program
State Council on Developmental Disabilities SDP hub with plain-language guidance.
SCDD – SDP Orientation
The required California statewide SDP orientation listed on the State Council Developmental Disabilities website is the first step to enroll.
Disability Access Navigator (DAN)
Free, bilingual AI navigator (SDTA nonprofit) that answers SDP and Regional Center questions and can draft request emails for you.
DVU – SDP Connect
Peer-connection program pairing participants with experienced SDP mentors.
DVU – Self-Determination Interchange
Community Q&A and shared SDP resources.
Self-Determination Institute
Educating and empowering individuals with disabilities to master SDP through advocacy and research.
Person-Centered Planning (PCP)
The Learning Community for PCP
National PCP learning community with training and facilitation resources.
Person Centered Plans
Introductory guide to person-centered planning approaches.
One-Page Profile (Parents Helping Parents)
How to build a one-page profile to bring to planning meetings.
One Page Profiles (Examples)
Real-world examples and templates of one-page profiles.
Build Your Support Team
California SDP Network
Statewide SDP network with facilitator and program info.
Find an Independent Facilitator (PHP directory)
Searchable Parents Helping Parents directory – filter for independent facilitators.
Budget, Spending Plan, Service Definitions & FMS
DDS – Budget Tools – IBCCT (Resources & Tools)
DDS budget resources, including the Individual Budget calculation tool (IBCCT).
DDS – Service Codes & Definitions (Resources & Tools)
DDS’s official list of SDP service definitions and codes can be located under the Service Code Definitions tab in Resources & Tools.
DDS – FMS Contact List
DDS’s official, current directory of Financial Management Services (FMS) providers.
DDS – SDP Directives
Official DDS directives that govern how SDP operates.
Safety & Well-being
DDS – Recognizing Abuse (PDF)
DDS participant guide to recognizing abuse.
DDS – Tips to Defend Yourself (PDF)
DDS assault-prevention tips for participants.
Advocacy, Rights & Community
Disability Voices United
Statewide advocacy organization led by people with disabilities and families.
State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)
State Council on Developmental Disabilities – advocacy and statewide resources.
DDS – Office of the SDP Ombudsperson
DDS Ombudsperson – help resolving SDP disputes and systemic issues.
Laws, Policy & Tools
Lanterman Act & Related Laws (DDS)
The Lanterman Act – the legal foundation for regional center services and SDP (includes a plain-language Consumer’s Guide).