How do I get started with the Self-Determination Program?

Any Regional Center client over 3 years old is eligible for SDP. Let your Regional Center service coordinator know that you are interested in transitioning to the Self-Determination Program.

The first step is to contact your Regional Center to find and attend an SDP orientation (be sure that you sign up for an orientation and not an information session, although these are helpful too). Note that some Regional Centers accept certificates of completion from orientation at other Regional Centers. The California State Council for Developmental Disabilities also provides SDP orientation.

The second step is to think of what your current Regional Center setup is or isn’t giving you so that you can think about what supports you might need when you apply for SDP.

For more information, check out our article Self-Determination 101.