The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a relatively recent game changer in California for individuals with developmental disabilities. At Undivided, we often hear from families who are thinking about transitioning from traditional Regional Center services to SDP, and they have lots of questions about how it works, if it will benefit their family, and if they have the bandwidth and capacity to manage it.
To demystify Self-Determination and tackle some of the most common questions about the program, we sat down with Christine Tolbert, the Self-Determination Program Manager for the California State Council for Developmental Disabilities. Whether you’re already enrolled in SDP or you’re interested in learning more about how the program works, check out the highlights from our enlightening conversation.
Should I enroll my child in Self-Determination?
Tolbert tells us, “I think that the reason that folks are really choosing Self-Determination is largely because they're not feeling well served by the services and supports that they're currently receiving. Maybe they're unable to find staff or keep consistent staff or services, or they have more unique needs that might be more difficult to meet with the more traditional Regional Center vendors.” Self-Determination also provides more “freedom, control, and flexibility and being able to choose services and supports.”
However, SDP may not be right for everyone. Tolbert says, “I think some of the reasons that folks don't switch, at least those people that do go to the orientation, is they realize that extra added layer of responsibility and choosing and arranging for services. That can feel like a little too much for some people.” Although Regional Center does fund support for making the transition, some families prefer the traditional model or don’t feel that they have any unmet needs that SDP could help with. “At the end of the day,” Tolbert says, “whatever model it is that's working for you and your loved one, that is the one that you should stick with.”
One question parents might have is whether to switch to SDP if respite is the only Regional Center services their child receives. Tolbert says, “I'm not going to say yes or no, because I don't know the number of hours and what the needs are, but I will say that your money will go further in Self-Determination than it can in the traditional model.” Because the vendor is not using part of the funding for overhead, that money can go toward more services for your child under SDP.
How long does it take to enroll in Self-Determination?
The process will vary depending on your child’s needs, your Regional Center, and the supports that help you with the transition. In general, Tolbert says it takes eight months on average, with many families taking six months to a year from the time parents complete orientation to the time their children start receiving services. It can take some time to set up, but the Regional Center provides support along the way. Don’t give up!
What is an Independent Facilitator (IF), and what is their role?
Tolbert says, “I recognize that the role of an Independent Facilitator can be confusing because they can be really anything that you need to help support your Self-Determination Program journey. And that is going to vary for each person.” She elaborates in this clip:
Will Regional Center pay for an Independent Facilitator?
There are costs associated with transitioning to the Self-Determination Program, but Regional Center sets aside funding to cover those costs. Tolbert cautions that you should make sure to discuss funding with your service coordinator before you pay for an IF. Hear her advice in this clip: How do I find an Independent Facilitator?
Tolbert gives two resources for finding an Independent Facilitator to work with:
The California SDP Network, which Tolbert explains has “filters available so that you can choose which geographic regions they serve, any special ages, or skill sets that you prefer an independent facilitator to have.”
Local Self-Determination Advisory Committees, run by each Regional Center, where you’ll be able to meet the people involved with SDP in your community, including IFs and families currently enrolled.
Undivided members can also ask their Navigator for our list of recommended Independent Facilitators.
Can I change my Independent Facilitator at any time?
“Theoretically, yes,” says Tolbert. “You should be able to choose someone that is truly working for you and is supporting you in the way that you expect for them to support you.” However, it’s important to know that some IFs have waitlists, and some require you to sign a contract, so you need to know the responsibilities and potential delays that come with making a change. Tolbert recommends asking your Regional Center for support, especially if you’re adding an IF or switching an IF during the enrollment process.
How is my Self-Determination budget set?
Your Regional Center will determine your child’s annual budget by looking at the services your child has used in the past year. For Tolbert’s full explanation, including how the process works if you haven’t been at the Regional Center for a full year, check out this clip:
After your first year of enrollment, your SDP budget will be based on the previous year’s. Tolbert says, “Every year, you are going to meet for your IPP meeting, and you're going to have a conversation about your services, your needs. You will have an opportunity at that time to maybe identify additional goals. Maybe you had money in your budget. And while you didn't use it, you can detail why you didn't use it, but it's still a need—you're still planning on being able to pursue or hire or whatever it is. In theory, if you didn't use it, it will be up for discussion. But it should be a robust discussion about why you didn't use it and what your needs are.” What if Regional Center won’t agree to the budget my child needs?
Because establishing the budget involves negotiation, it’s possible that Regional Center could deny the budget you’re asking for. If this happens, Tolbert says, “Your rights are the same in the traditional model as they are in Self-Determination. At the end of the day, if you are at a negotiation impasse, and the dollars and cents in your budget from the Regional Center that they're willing to authorize are not going to meet your needs, including the health and safety of your loved one, and you just don't think that is going to work, you can appeal.” For more information, see our article on Regional Center appeals. What is the difference between a budget and a spending plan?
An SDP budget is “the dollars and cents that you have to be able to spend on services throughout the year,” Tolbert explains. “The Regional Center does have to certify that budget, so there is an approval certification process that happens. The spending plan is essentially how you're going to take that budget, break it down, and spend it. So that is where you would put a personal aide or aide services while you're out at art classes. Maybe that's also going toward an item for your art classes and how much that costs. It could be supportive staff that are coming in to help with personal care services. Really the spending plan is how you're spending your budget money.”
Can my spending plan and budget change during the year?
Your spending plan can be adjusted throughout the year if you want to allocate your budget dollars toward different services.
However, what if new needs arise after your budget has already been set by the Regional Center? Tolbert says, “In the event that life happens or there's an emergency or there is a need that came up that was not considered when you were negotiating that budget, you have the right to have probably an urgent IPP meeting, discuss the need, maybe add a goal to your IPP, and attach a dollar amount to that. That can happen at any time in the year.”
What services can be included in Self-Determination?
Tolbert emphasizes reading the Self-Determination Program Service Definitions, a document of approved services used by Regional Centers throughout the state. “Examples in folks that I have worked with,” Tolbert says, “would be exercise equipment, homemaker services, safety devices for home, transportation, Uber or Lyft, office equipment, employment supports for coaching, life coaching, I mean, the list really does go on for quite literally 27 pages.” She recommends reading through the document before sitting down for the person-centered planning meeting to see the wide variety of services available, from acupuncture to vehicle modifications. “So long as you really have that conversation in your person-centered planning meeting about the need, and if you have the money in your budget, then you should be able to put it together and make it work.”
She also says, “While there are reasons why certain services would or would not be approved, the general rule of thumb is if it is provided in the community to really anyone, if anyone has access to that service or support or program [and it’s not disability-specific], then there's a really good chance that it is going to be something that is approved under the Self-Determination Program.”
What does an FMS do?
The financial management service provider is essentially the account holder for your Regional Center budget. The FMS is responsible for paying 100% of your providers throughout the year.
Tolbert has this advice when it comes to working with your FMS:
