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(03/24/2026) SDP: Orientation Update

DVU Brief

Directive

March 24, 2026, D-2026-Self Determination Program-002

TO: REGIONAL CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

SUBJECT: SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM (SDP): ORIENTATION UPDATE

This directive provides an update about the changes to the Self-Determination Program (SDP) orientation. This directive is issued pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) section 4685.8(p)(2), which authorizes the Department of Developmental Services (Department) to issue program directives or similar instructions for the SDP until regulations are adopted.

Background
WIC section 4685.8(d)(3)(A) requires individuals to receive an SDP orientation that meets the standards set or developed by the Department prior to enrollment in the SDP. The SDP orientation must include information on the principles of self-determination, the role of the independent facilitator and the financial management services vendor, person-centered planning, and the development of the individual budget. It is important for individuals to have the necessary information to make an informed decision about their participation in the SDP.

Individuals include:

  • Adult receiving regional center services
  • Conservator or authorized representative of an adult receiving regional center
    services
  • Parent or legal guardian of a minor

SDP Orientation
Effective April 1, 2026, the SDP Orientation will consist of two required two-hour sessions. Part A must be completed before Part B, and both must be finished prior to accessing SDP transition supports and SDP enrollment. Individuals who completed the SDP orientation before April 1, 2026, or who are already enrolled in the SDP, are not required to retake it but may do so voluntarily.

Implementation
Effective April 1, 2026, the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is the only approved provider to offer the SDP orientation statewide. SDP orientations offered by other entities do not meet the requirement. The SDP orientation will be provided virtually and is available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Hmong, Farsi, Armenian, Arabic, and American Sign Language (ASL). More information and the orientation registration calendar can be found at SCDD Orientation webpage: https://scdd.ca.gov/sdporientation/.

The SCDD will issue a “Certificate of Completion” following completion of each part of the orientation. If the individual chooses to continue with enrollment into the SDP, the individual must provide their two “Certificates of Completion” to their regional center service coordinator.

Once the service coordinator receives the two certificates, the service coordinator will review the certificates and provide the individual with information about the next steps for SDP enrollment. Information the service coordinator must provide includes, but is not limited to:

Reporting
Regional centers must continue to comply with June 2024 Updated SANDIS Reporting Requirements directive. Regional centers must verify that both Part A and Part B of the SDP orientation were completed by the individual and use the date on the Part B “Certificate of Completion” for reporting purposes.

The Department will offer training and technical assistance to regional centers on the implementation of these changes. Questions from regional centers should be directed to the Department’s Self-Determination Program Branch at sdp@dds.ca.gov.

Sincerely,
Original Signed by:
YANG LEE, Chief
Community Assistance and Empowerment

cc: Regional Center Administrators
Regional Center Directors of Consumer Services
Regional Center Community Services Directors
Association of Regional Center Agencies
California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Link to Directive:

SDP: Orientation Update