Self-Determination Program (SDP)

What is the Self-Determination Program? 

In October of 2013, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed into law the Self-Determination Program, which provided individuals served by regional centers and their families with a new option for receiving regional center services. As authorized in Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 4685.8, “the Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary delivery system consisting of a mix of services and supports, selected and directed by a participant through person-centered planning, in order to meet the objectives in his or her Individual Program Plan (IPP). Self-determination services and supports are designed to assist the participant in achieving personally defined outcomes in community settings that promote inclusion,” and allow participants to have more control in developing service plans and selecting service providers.


Principles of the Self-Determination Program 

Child in a wheelchair holding a yellow ukulele, smiling, with a woman hugging him from behind, both enjoying a day at the beach.

Freedom

Freedom to exercise the same rights as all citizens; to establish where to live, with whom, how to occupy time, and who provides supports.
A girl with glasses and a red scarf writes in a notebook at a table in a bright room.

Authority

Authority to control a budget in order to purchase services and supports of their choosing.
Two people are sitting at a table, engaging in a joint art activity with colored pencils and paint. They appear focused and collaborative.

Support

Support, including the ability to arrange resources and personnel, which will allow flexibility to live in the community of their choice.
A person smiling while holding a cardboard box in a grocery store, with shelves of produce in the background.

Responsibility

Responsibility that includes the opportunity to take responsibility for making decisions in their own lives and accept a valued role in their community.
Two smiling individuals, one with an oxygen tube, are close together.

Confirmation

Confirmation in making decisions in their own lives by designing and operating the service that they rely on.

How to Enroll

How to Enroll in the Self-Determination Program

Ensure all documents and steps are completed to actively participate in the Self-Determination Program

1

Register to attend an SDP Orientation

You can attend presentations by Harbor Regional Center or with the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD).

2

Develop a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) Report

You may work with a certified Person-Centered Planner to develop a Person Centered Plan. You can find a list of certified planners here.

3

Find an Independent Facilitator

To find an Independent Facilitator, click here.

4

Hold an Individual-Person Centered Plan (IPP) meeting to update all information

Collaborate with your regional center service coordinator to develop an individual budget.

5

Select a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider that you want to work with

Identify providers, vendors and employees to ensure they are compliant with Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) regulations.

6

Develop a spending plan to identify the services you need to reach your individual goals

Submit spending plan to Harbor Regional Center.

History of SDP
Financial Management Services
FAQs