California Self-Determination Program for Special Needs Families

If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you’ve probably spent time working with the Regional Center to get services and support. But did you know there’s a program that gives you more freedom to choose how your child’s support is provided?

It’s called the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and it could be a great fit for your family.

What Is the Self-Determination Program?

The Self-Determination Program is a California state initiative that gives people with developmental disabilities and their families more control, flexibility, and choice in the services they receive.

Instead of having services assigned by the Regional Center, you decide:

• What services your child needs
• Who provides them
• When and how they are delivered

It’s about putting your family in the driver’s seat.

How Is It Different From the Traditional System?

In the traditional system, services must come from a list of pre-approved providers. With SDP, you’re not limited to that list.

Here’s what’s different:

• You create a person-centered plan focused on your child’s goals, dreams, and needs.
• You get a yearly budget based on what the Regional Center spent on your child in the past.
• You can choose your own service providers, even someone not currently in the Regional Center system, like a trusted neighbor, coach, or specialist.
• You work with a financial management service (FMS) that handles payments and paperwork.

This flexibility means you can use the budget to get creative. For example: dance classes, tutoring, life skills coaching, or even tech tools all counts if it helps your child live a more independent and meaningful life, it can be considered.

Who Can Join?

As of 2021, the program is open to everyone eligible for Regional Center services. That means if your child already qualifies through the Lanterman Act, they can enroll in SDP.

To get started:

1. Attend a mandatory orientation (your Regional Center can help you sign up).
2. Create a person-centered plan with input from people who know and support your child.
3. Work with the Regional Center to develop a budget and a spending plan.

Do I Have to Do This Alone?

Not at all! While you’ll have more responsibility, you’re also surrounded by support:

• Your Regional Center continues to help with coordination and oversight.
• You can choose to hire an Independent Facilitator, someone who understands the program and helps guide you through planning and decision-making.
• Your FMS provider takes care of payroll and billing.

Is the Program Right for My Child?

Self-Determination gives families a lot of freedom, but also more decisions to make. If you like the idea of customizing your child’s services and are comfortable being more hands-on, it might be the perfect fit.

Many families have found that it opens up new possibilities and creates a plan that truly reflects their child’s personality, strengths, and goals.

How Nickerson Law Can Help

Understanding and enrolling in the Self-Determination Program can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone. At Nickerson Law, we’re here to support families like yours. Whether you need help understanding your rights, creating a plan, or advocating for your child, we’re ready to stand with you. We can give you more information about the Self Determination Program and help coordinate that in addition with a special needs trust.

Visit the website for the Self Determination Program for more information. Also visit the Inland Regional Center website.