Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Self-determination” mean?
Self-determination means having the power and freedom to make choices about your own life. Everyone, including those with developmental disabilities (DD), deserves this right. It’s about having the freedom to decide, the ability to make choices, and getting the help needed to control one’s own life.
Self-determination allows those that are most important to the individual to work collaboratively and provide support to the individual as they take empowered steps towards achieving their unique goals focusing on their individuality and strengths.
What is the Self-Determination Program?
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) offers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families, greater freedom and options for their services and support.
Regional Center provides individuals with a yearly budget to allocate to services that help you reach your goals.
How does the Self-Determination Program work?
The Regional Center in your area gives you a personal budget that gives you the freedom to decide how to spend it on the services outlined in your person-centered plan (PCP). This flexibility allows you to explore different options, such as directly purchasing services from providers or local businesses, hiring individual support workers, and/or creating customized agreements with various programs and communities.
What is a Person-Centered Plan?
A Person-Centered Plan celebrates the individual, focusing on their strengths and aspirations with support from their friends and family, aiming to create the most effective service and support strategy to fulfill the individuals desires and aspirations.
Am I eligible for the Self-Determination Program?
To be eligible for the Self-Determination Program individual must:
+Have an intellectual or developmental disability
+Currently receive services from a Regional Center
+Be eligible for services as per the Lanterman Act
+Not residing in a licensed long-term health care facility
What is the Lanterman Act?
California Law that provides services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over time, the Lanterman Act has been modified to improve its provisions and respond to evolving needs. These changes have aimed to broaden services, reinforce individual rights, and encourage inclusion and self-advocacy.