Self-Determination Program (SDP)
Take control of your services and budget. The Self-Determination Program lets you decide what services you need, who provides them, and how your budget is spent.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Kindway is not affiliated with any Regional Center or government agency. The Self-Determination Program rules may change — always verify current requirements directly with your Regional Center.
What Is Self-Determination?
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is an alternative way to receive Regional Center services in California. Instead of the Regional Center choosing your service providers and managing your budget, you get to make those decisions.
With SDP, you receive an individual budget based on your assessed needs. You then have the freedom and responsibility to plan and manage your services within that budget. Many families find this gives them much more flexibility and control.
SDP became available statewide in California in 2021 after years as a pilot program. It is growing rapidly, with thousands of participants across the state.
The Five Principles of Self-Determination
Freedom
You choose how you live your life, including where you live and how you spend your day.
Authority
You have decision-making power over your budget and services.
Support
You have the support you need to manage your services and make informed decisions.
Responsibility
You accept responsibility for your decisions and the use of public funds.
Confirmation
Your life decisions are confirmed by the people who know and care about you.
Who Is Eligible?
To participate in SDP, you must be:
- A current Regional Center client (or eligible to become one)
- Willing to take on the responsibility of managing your own services
- Able to develop a person-centered plan (with support from your team)
- Have (or willing to get) a Financial Management Service (FMS) to handle payroll and billing
Important: You do NOT need to already be receiving Regional Center services to apply. If you are going through the eligibility process, you can request SDP at the same time.
How to Get Started
Express Interest to Your Regional Center
Tell your Service Coordinator that you are interested in the Self-Determination Program. You can also call your Regional Center directly.
They are required to provide you with information about SDP and help you understand the process.
Bay Area Regional Center contacts:
- Golden Gate RC: (415) 546-9222
- RC of the East Bay: (510) 618-6100
- San Andreas RC: (408) 374-9960
Attend an Orientation
Your Regional Center will invite you to an SDP orientation session. This covers how the program works, your responsibilities, and what to expect.
Orientations are offered in multiple languages and formats (in-person and virtual). You can bring family members or supporters.
Get Your Individual Budget
The Regional Center will calculate your individual budget. This is based on the services and supports in your current IPP (or what you would be authorized for if you are new).
Your budget is the total annual dollar amount you can use for services. It is not a cash payment — it is managed through a Financial Management Service.
Tip: If you disagree with your budget amount, you have the right to appeal. Many families have successfully negotiated higher budgets when they can demonstrate the need.
Build Your Team
In SDP, you create a person-centered team that helps you plan your services. Your team should include:
- You (the participant) — you lead the team
- An Independent Facilitator (IF) — helps run meetings and develop your plan
- A Financial Management Service (FMS) — handles payroll, taxes, and billing
- Family members or trusted supporters
- Your Regional Center Service Coordinator
Tip: The Independent Facilitator and FMS are paid from your SDP budget. Choose providers you trust and feel comfortable working with.
Create Your Person-Centered Plan
With your Independent Facilitator, you will develop a person-centered plan. This is similar to an IPP but you are in the driver's seat. Your plan should cover:
- Your goals and vision for your life
- The services and supports you want
- Who will provide those services (you can hire anyone — not just vendored providers)
- How your budget will be allocated across services
- How you will measure progress
Manage Your Services & Budget
Once your plan is approved by the Regional Center, you start receiving services. Your FMS handles the financial side — paying providers, handling payroll taxes for workers you hire directly, and tracking your spending.
You can adjust your spending throughout the year. If one service costs less than expected, you can redirect those funds to other needs within your plan.
SDP vs. Traditional Regional Center Services
| Feature | Traditional | Self-Determination |
|---|---|---|
| Who chooses providers? | Regional Center | You |
| Budget visibility | You don't see it | You know your exact budget |
| Flexibility | Limited to vendored providers | Hire anyone qualified |
| Who manages services? | Service Coordinator | You (with your team) |
| Can you hire family? | Usually no | Yes, with some restrictions |
| Unused funds | Go back to RC | Can redirect within your plan |
| IFSP integration | Standard process | Can do IFSP through SDP |
What Can You Use Your Budget For?
Your SDP budget can cover any service or support that is related to your disability needs and included in your person-centered plan. Common uses include:
Key advantage: In SDP, you can hire providers who are not vendored with the Regional Center. This means more choices and often better rates. You can even hire qualified family members for some services.
SDP and IFSPs (Children Under 3)
Yes, families with children in the Early Start program (birth to 3) can participate in SDP. Your child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) services can be funded through your SDP budget.
This is particularly popular with families because it allows you to:
- Choose your own therapists rather than being assigned one
- Get services from providers not vendored with the RC
- Have more control over scheduling and frequency of services
- Potentially access services faster by hiring directly
Your Rights in SDP
- You can leave SDP and return to traditional services at any time
- You have the right to appeal your budget amount
- You have the right to choose your Independent Facilitator and FMS
- Your Regional Center cannot deny you SDP enrollment if you are eligible
- You have the right to receive SDP information in your preferred language
- You can request a fair hearing if you disagree with any decision
Need help? Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA): 1-800-390-7032. They provide free advocacy for Regional Center clients.
Common Questions
How long does it take to get into SDP?
The process typically takes 3-6 months from expressing interest to receiving services, depending on your Regional Center and whether you already have an IPP.
Is my budget the same as what I was getting in traditional services?
Your budget is calculated based on your current authorized services. It should be equivalent, but you may need to advocate if you feel it's too low. You have the right to appeal.
Can I hire a family member as a service provider?
Yes, in many cases. Family members can be hired for some services like respite care, supported living support, and personal assistance. There are some restrictions — your FMS can explain the rules.
What is a Financial Management Service (FMS)?
An FMS is an organization that handles the money side of SDP. They process timesheets, pay your providers, handle payroll taxes, and track your spending. Think of them as your bookkeeper. The FMS fee comes out of your SDP budget.
What if I don't like SDP?
You can return to traditional Regional Center services at any time. There is no penalty for leaving SDP.
Can I do SDP with an IFSP for my young child?
Yes! Many families use SDP to manage their Early Start/IFSP services. This gives you the ability to choose your own therapists and have more scheduling flexibility.
Helpful Resources
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Official SDP information from the state of California
dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/Disability Rights California / OCRA
Free advocacy and support for Regional Center clients
Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee
Community advocacy and information about SDP
Statewide SDAC pageReady to explore SDP?
Start by calling your Regional Center and telling them you're interested in the Self-Determination Program. You can also browse our provider directory for Independent Facilitators and FMS providers.