The Self-Determination Program is not “just” a program! It is the people who make the program as successful as you need it to be. California’s Self-Determination Program is you, your support people, and your Service Providers.
Without people willing to be a part of this process, there would be no program.
So, What is California’s Self-Determination Program? California’s Self-Determination Program is You and is ME!
We’re here to guide you through the Self-Determination Program (SDP), designed to give you and your family greater control, freedom, and responsibility over the services and support you receive. Our mission is to make the process of accessing and benefiting from SDP as simple and straightforward as possible. Whether you are new to SDP or already a participant, our resources, forums, and recommended providers will help you every step of the way.
How To Get Started
Step 1
Apply for an evaluation
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Apply for an evaluation to see if you (and/or your child) are eligible for Regional Center Services. Go below to to find your California county’s assigned Regional Center.
Step 2
Attend an Orientation
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Register for a mandatory SDP orientation session through your regional center or our Orientation Schedule link. These sessions will provide you with essential details on how to start and manage your journey with SDP.
Step 3
Develop your Person-centered plan
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Work with a facilitator to create a person-centered plan that outlines your goals, preferences, and the services you need to achieve them. Use our Recommended Independent Facilitator page to find certified facilitators.
Step 4
Submit Your Plan and Get Approval
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Submit your person-centered plan to your regional center for approval. They will review and approve your plan to ensure it aligns with SDP guidelines.
Join our online community for free and access more information and resources.
Start Receiving Services
Once your plan is approved, you can begin receiving services and support as outlined in your plan. Use our Forum Section to connect with other participants, share experiences, and get advice. Why it matters: Accessing services through SDP empowers you to live a more independent and fulfilling life.
Recommended Providers
Explore our curated list of service providers who are knowledgeable and experienced in supporting SDP participants. From facilitators to service providers, find trusted professionals to help you achieve your goals.
Our Mission
At California Self-Determination IS ME, our mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing clear, accessible information and resources about the Self-Determination Program (SDP). We aim to simplify the process of accessing personalized services and supports, enabling participants to live more independent, fulfilling lives.
We are committed to:
- Empowerment: Providing the tools and knowledge necessary for individuals to take control of their services and supports.
- Accessibility: Ensuring all information and resources are easy to read, understand, and navigate, adhering to ADA compliance standards.
- Community: Building a supportive network through forums, recommended providers, and shared success stories to foster a sense of belonging and mutual assistance.
- Support: Offering guidance and assistance at every step of the SDP process, from initial orientation to service implementation.
We believe in the power of choice and self-determination and are dedicated to supporting each participant’s journey toward greater autonomy and quality of life.
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If you believe in our cause and would like to support us, please click on the link below. Please note that we are not a non-profit organization, so contributions cannot be used as tax write-offs.
Welcome home to the Self-Determination Program Internet home!!
Hi, I’m Sandra Van Scotter! My adult son is served by California’s Regional Center system and is a Self-Determination Program participant. He is entering the 4th year of his Self-Determination Program (as of 2024).
I am as involved as he lets me be in his program and Spending Plan development from year to year with the goal of him and his Independent Facilitator managing his Program when he is ready.
For years, I have been going to meetings, and participating in committees and workgroups regarding services delivered by California’s Department of Developmental Services through the Regional Center system.
Inevitably, at all these meetings, someone says, “We need a centralized place to find all this information!” The next comment usually is, “We need to find someone to give us a grant”.
Grants are hard to come by. And, grants come with expectations of the “grantor”.
So, the “California Self-Determination is ME” website is decidedly Self-Funded, with no Grants and no Sponsorships so that the information on the site is unbiased and generated by the Self-Determination Program Community FOR the Self-Determination Program community!
Maintaining a website comes with cost. We accept appropriate advertising and contributions to offset that cost. We are not a non-for-profit organization, so contributions cannot be used as tax write-offs.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!