Logo
Get startedLogin
Self-Determination Program
Decoder

Self-Determination Program

/resources/images/vector.png

Overview

Are you curious about Regional Center’s Self-Determination Program and how it might improve your child’s services and supports? Learn all about who is eligible, the benefits of a person-centered plan, and how to take advantage of this program.

What is the Self-Determination Program?

Regional Center’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives people with disabilities more freedom to choose the services and supports that help them meet their goals. The participant is given an individualized budget and uses it to decide what services they’d like and who should provide them. (Note that providers don’t need to be Regional Center vendors and can sometimes even be family members). For more on how SDP works with ABA, other public benefits, and more, check out these clips of our conversation with Independent Facilitator and owner of Empower Person-Centered Planning Sandra McElwee.

Contents

Overview
What is the Self-Determination Program?
How does Self-Determination help with unmet needs?
Why should I use person-centered planning in this process?
Where can I attend a Self-Determination orientation?

Self-Determination Basics

/resources/images/vector.png
Self-Determination Program 101
/resources/images/vector.png
Self-Determination Orientations Happening at Regional Centers
/resources/images/vector.png
Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Determination Program

Making the Most of Self-Determination

/resources/images/vector.png
Unmet Needs: What Are They and How Can Self-Determination Help?
/resources/images/vector.png
How to Request Regional Center Funding for an Undivided Membership
/resources/images/vector.png
Benefits and Considerations of Self-Determination with Sandra McElwee

Related Parent Questions

Parent Question
How do I get started with the Self-Determination Program?
Let your Regional Center service coordinator know that you are interested in transitioning to the Self-Determination Program. Contact your Regional Center to find and attend an orientation.
Parent Question
How do I make a Self-Determination Program budget and plan?
Participants have three options for support in creating their Self-Determination plan: hire a facilitator, use your Regional Center service coordinator, or manage it yourself.
Parent Question
Who is eligible for the Self-Determination Program?
Those who have a developmental disability and receive services from a Regional Center are eligible for SDP, but children who are enrolled in the Early Start Program are not eligible.
Parent Question
Can I add my child’s social-recreational services and therapies to their Self-Determination budget?
Families will likely need approval to add social-recreational services and therapies to their budget unless they are shifting around less than 10% of the total. If you aren’t currently using SDP, you can request an IPP meeting to access these services.
Parent Question
Should I enroll my child in the Self-Determination Program?
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives people with disabilities more freedom, control, and responsibility to choose the services and supports that help them meet their goals and be fully included in their community.

Related Video Clips

/resources/images/vector.png
Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Your Self-Determination Plan
/resources/images/vector.png
How your Self-Determination Budget is Decided
/resources/images/vector.png
What Are Social-Recreational Services?

Latest Resources

/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
/resources/images/vector.png
First
Previous
Next
Last
Tags:

Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

Promise Image
Each piece of content has been rigorously researched, edited, and vetted to bring you the latest and most up-to-date information. Learn more about our content and research process here.
Give feedback to the Undivided team Arrow Right
A Navigator is your Partner at each turn
Every Undivided Navigator has years of experience supporting families raising kids with disabilities or parenting their own. Partner with an Undivided Navigator for a free Kickstart to learn first hand what support feels like!
tick-icon
Expert-driven content, guidance, and solutions.
tick-icon
Member events and office hours with real answers, plus access to our private parents' group.
tick-icon
Priority to begin a free Kickstart of the Undivided Support System with a dedicated Navigator.
“It’s so helpful to have one place that you can go to get many answers.”–Leeza Woodbury, with Navigator Kelly since 2020
*Currently offering Navigator Kickstarts to residents of California
Logo
Undivided

Support for families raising kids with disabilities.

ResourcesEducationGovernment ProgramsInsuranceView all
AboutAboutPricingAbout Undivided
Get in touchJoin the newsletterFacebookInstagramEmail Us
© 2024 Undivided
Privacy PolicyTerms of Use