What is SDP?
Regional Center's Best Kept Secret
Did you know that if you are a regional center client, you can decide how you receive services? You can choose between traditional regional center services or the Self-Determination Program, which has been open to all clients since July 2021.
Who is in charge? The law says people with developmental disabilities should have control over their lives and the services they get. But many programs and classrooms don’t meet their needs. Instead, decisions are often made by schools or service providers based on what’s easiest or cheapest for them. This means many people with disabilities don’t have control over important parts of their lives, which can make things harder for them. Even though the law says they should have a choice, no one is making sure it happens, and their needs are not put first. Enter the Self-Determination Program.
Choice and Control Over Our Lives
The Dream Team
In 2012, six people, including parents, a self-advocate, and disability activists, teamed up to create a law for self-determination in California. They felt the existing system for developmental services needed change. With bipartisan support, they introduced Senate Bill 468. Despite some doubts, the bill passed the Senate and Assembly without opposition. The team faced challenges regarding the program’s cost, but evidence backed by the Department of Developmental Services convinced decision-makers. Thousands of self-advocates and families urged Governor Brown to sign the bill, which he did on October 9, 2013. The “Dream Team” continued to contribute to the law’s implementation, ensuring success for future generations with developmental disabilities in California.
What is California's Self-Determination Program?
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives people with disabilities control over their services. Unlike the traditional regional center system, where services are limited to vendored providers and decisions are made for you, SDP gives you a budget to manage. You choose the services and supports that meet your needs, decide who helps you, what they do, when and where they assist you, and how much they are paid.
Self-Determination Program Stories
Meet Louis
He is an adult who has transformed his life through the Self-Determination Program (SDP). From a young age, Louis loved drawing, and while school programs provided basic work experience, they were unpaid and lacked support, leaving him feeling undervalued. After high school, a regional center vendored adult program further discouraged him. Through SDP, Louis updated his person-centered plan, enabling customized support for both employment and education. His first paid internship at a comic bookstore reignited his confidence, and he’s now working toward a micro-enterprise for his art and pursuing education in programming and 3D design. With the right tools and individualized support, Louis is creating a video game based on his own characters and dreams.
Meet Abner
Abner, an 11-year-old, loves games, scary attractions like Halloween Horror Nights, and roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain. He plays guitar, mastering “Jingle Bells,” and enjoys soccer, especially scoring goals. In middle school, he excels at following his schedule and directions, thriving on independence and challenges. With daily support from neighbors, Abner is developing social skills and building community connections. He dreams of becoming a dentist and believes self-determination will help him achieve his goals by providing the right support and structure. Abner’s commitment to routines ensures he stays on track and works toward success.
Who can be in the Self-Determination Program?
You can be in the Self-Determination Program if:
- You are a regional center client
- Live in the community or a group home (If under age 3: check with your regional center)
To receive captions in Spanish, Korean or other languages, turn on Closed Captioning (CC) and then click Settings > Subtitles/CC > Autotranslate to select your language.
Compare Program Differences
Traditional Regional Center
- Services are based on your Individual Program Plan (IPP).
- Providers are chosen by the regional center (vendored providers).
- The state sets the rates providers are paid.
- Your Service Coordinator helps arrange and coordinate services.
- The regional center pays the providers directly.
Self-Determination Program
- Services are based on your person-centered plan.
- Services don’t need to be vendored.
- You set provider payment rates.
- You choose who provides the service.
- You arrange and coordinate the services.
- Your financial management service pays the providers.
You are still a regional center client
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a different way to receive services. You are still a regional center client with a service coordinator and the same rights and protections.
Since the program is using Medicaid funding, there are rules for how you can spend your budget similar to the traditional system. More details are on the spending plan page.
To receive captions in Spanish, Korean or other languages, turn on Closed Captioning (CC) and then click Settings > Subtitles/CC > Autotranslate to select your language.
How much work will SDP be once I am in
In the Self-Determination Program (SDP), you choose activities or services you need. You can hire helpers, set their pay, and make a plan. You work with the Financial Management Service to set up payments and approve timesheets if you hire employees. Each month, you check your spending to stay on track. You manage your services, helpers, and budget.
To receive captions in Spanish, Korean or other languages, turn on Closed Captioning (CC) and then click Settings > Subtitles/CC > Autotranslate to select your language.