An Easy Introduction to Self-Determination

This guide was created from the Self-Determination Program Orientation hosted by the Department of Developmental Services. Please note, this guide is a summary of Self-Determination and should not be used as a comprehensive resource or in lieu of the required Self-Determination Program Orientation.

An Overview of Regional Center Services

As a result of the Lanterman Act, the Department of Developmental Services currently oversees the coordination and delivery of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the 21-regional center system. Each regional center is responsible for determining who is eligible for services, provide a Service Coordinator, and pay for some services.

Currently, Regional Centers has 3 different service options to promote independence and community inclusion:

• Traditional Vendored Services
  • An individual has an IPP (Individual Program Plan) developed that identifies goals and needs to obtain the goals.
  • Services from Regional Centers are usually provided through vendored service providers.
  • Service Coordinatos review service provider options, arrange and coordinate your services.
  • Regional Centers pay the service provider for your services.
• Participant-Directed Services (part of the Traditional Vendored Service Option)
  • Non-vendored services
    • You can hire, schedule and supervise these staff.
    • You work with a vendored Financial Management Services Provider.
    • The Financial Management Services Provider helps you pay staff and comply with employment laws.
    • Non-vendored services that you can use are limited to:
      • Respite
      • Day care
      • Non-medical transportation
      • Nursing
      • Community-based training
      • Personal assistance
      • Independent living skills
      • Supported employment services
  • Vendored services
    • Located by and paid for by the regional center.

• Self-Determination Program (Voluntary, alternative way to receive services and supports)

  • The program can provide you and your family with more freedom, control, and responsibility in choosing services and supports to meet the goals in your IPP.
  • You will have people to help you, like your Service Coordinator, the Financial Management Services Provider and an Independent Facilitator.

   

An Introduction to the Self-Determination Program (SDP)

The Self-Determination program operates based on 5 principles -

• Freedom - The right to plan your own life and make your own decisions.
• Authority - Have controler a budget for services.
• Support - Pick supports and people that help you live, work, and play.
• Responsibility - Make decisions in your life and have a valued role in your community.
• Confirmation - You are the decision maker for your life.

The Self-Determination Program is different from other options -

•  You and your IPP team develop your budget and spending plan and you arrange your service providers.
•  You use your budget to purchase services and goods from qualified service providers, individuals, or businesses and they do not need to be vendored, but they can be.
• Services and supports must be eligible for federal financial participation.
•  You must use a vendored Financial Management Services Provider to help you manage your budget, hire and pay staff, and comply with employment laws.

Self-Determination Program Roadmap

1. Self-Determination Program
2. Person-Centered Planning
3. Individual Budget
4. Spending Plan
5. Arranging Services
6. Enrolling
7. Services Begin

Where to go to learn more about SDP

California State Council on Developmental Disabilities - Self-Determination Program - SDP Orientation | SCDD (ca.gov)

Regional Center of the East Bay - Self-Determination - Self Determination - Regional Center of the East Bay (rceb.org)

Golden Gate Regional Center - Self-Determination - Golden Gate Regional Center (ggrc.org)