What's the Self-Determination Program (SDP)?
The California Self-Determination Program (SDP), a state initiative signed into law in 2013, is a voluntary program offered by California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The Self-Determination Program, otherwise referred to as SDP, provides participants an alternative way to get their regional center services, compared to the traditional way. As of July 2021, SDP is available to all eligible regional center consumers.
In the traditional way, regional centers select and purchase services for their clients. Under SDP, individuals and their families have greater choice and control over their received supports and services through person-centered planning. This enables them to make decisions that best achieve their personal goals and outcome. SDP allows participants to hire their own support staff, select non-traditional providers, and purchase services that were not previously available.
Instead of relying solely on traditional regional center services, participants in SDP are given a budget that they can use to purchase services and supports that meet their unique needs and goals. This allows for more flexibility, creativity, and independence in designing a plan that reflects the participant’s personal vision for their life.
The California Self Determination Program is based on the following principles:
- Freedom – to plan your own life and make your own decisions
- Authority – to decide how money is spent for your services and supports
- Support – to help you live in your community with help from the people and services you choose
- Responsibility – to make decisions that make good use of public money and to accept your valued role in the community
- Confirmation – that you are the most important person making decisions about your life.
Unique Key Features of SDP:
- Individual Budget – Participants receive an annual budget based on the cost of services that they would have received through the traditional system.
- Person-Centered Planning – Each participant works with their circle of support to develop a plan focused on their strengths, needs, and life goals.
- Freedom of Choice – Funds can be used to purchase a wide range of services, not just those available through regional centers, as long as they align with the participant’s goals and state and federal regulations
- Financial Management Services (FMS) – An FMS provider helps manage the budget, pay staff, and track expenses to ensure compliance with rules.
- Independent Facilitators (optional) – Participants may choose to work with an independent facilitator who can assist in developing and implementing the person-centered and spending plans.
What This Means for Participants:
- More flexibility in hiring support staff, including family members (in some cases).
- Greater ability to tailor services to cultural, social, or personal preferences.
- The opportunity to use funds for services that promote independence, employment, health, community participation, and quality of life.