In Self-Determination Program,
you have the power to shape your life as you desire.

Self-Determination Program (SDP)

In October of 2013, Governor of California, Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed SB 468 (Emmerson) into law to create the SDP. SDP provides individuals and their families with more freedom, control, and responsibility in choosing services and supports to help them meet objectives in their Individual Program Plan. During the 3-year implementation period of the SDP, the program only was available to 2,500 individuals. Starting July 1, 2021, the SDP now is available to all eligible individuals receiving services from a regional center.

Self-Determination Program is based in 5 core principles.

Freedom

You have the freedom to choose the services and support that will help you to lead the life you wish.

Authority

You have the power to manage a budget for goods and services of your choice.

Support

You have the ability to organize the circle of support to help you live the way you want.

Responsibility

You are responsible for making wise use of resouces and contributing to the community.

Confirmation

SDP is a confirmation that you are the decision maker of your own life.

Self-Determination Program provides individuals and their families with more freedom and control.

Fumiko Kutsukake

Independent Facilitator

My son was diagnosed with autism when he was 2. Soon after, navigating his disability turned into a full-time job: Searching for different therapies, finding the right school, and figuring out how to best support him. Every day was exhausting, and at the time, it hurt to think that this would never end.

But I began to take joy in his small achievements. Despite his challenges, he constantly amazes me with his resilience. There are still difficult moments, but who he is has given my life so much meaning. I was able to reach this point thanks to the support of other parents, therapists, doctors, and those who truly understand the struggles that we all go through.

During the initial meeting with the regional center, the service coordinator told me that many parents would cry and often question if they had done something wrong to cause their child's disability. This conversation from years ago still resonates with me. My mission is to advocate for those families and remind them that they don't have to fight this alone. Through SDP support, I hope to give them peace of mind and enable them to enjoy seeing their loved ones live life to the fullest. I look forward to becoming a part of your journey.

Services

Advocacy. Dedication. Partnership.

My primary goal is to make sure that your voice is heard and that your wishes become a reality through collaboration and teamwork.

Consultation

SDP Transition

Ongoing Support

During the consultation, you will discover more about SDP (if you are new to the program), as well as how I work with my clients and the range of services you may expect.

I will guide you through the process step by step until you are fully transitioned to SDP. You will have my full support for a smooth transition and timely completion.

From tracking spending to searching for the best service providers for your needs, I will take on as much responsibility as possible to minimize your workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Self-Determination Program (SDP)?

You may be familiar with the traditional system where you receive services from providers that are contracted with a regional center, or you choose your service provider, cover the expenses, and subsequently receive reimbursement.

In SDP, participants have the freedom to select desired services, choose their own providers, and allocate payments directly from their SDP budget.

Who is eligible for SDP?

SDP is accessible to all individuals who qualify for regional center services, regardless of their age or income level except for those who live in a licensed long-term health care facility.

Some children under three years old may also participate in SDP, but they must qualify to receive regional center services under Welfare and Institutions Code 4512.

What does an Independent Facilitator (IF) do?

Transitioning to SDP involves several steps: identifying the participant’s goals and needs, strategizing the yearly expenditure, enrolling in a financial management service agency, etc.

Independent facilitators help guide the participants and their families through this complex process. Each independent facilitator offers a different range of services including those available post-transition.

What are the payment expectations?

Participants are not financially responsible. Compensation for independent facilitators during the SDP transition is paid out directly by the regional center.

All fees for services following the SDP transition will be allocated from the participant's SDP budget. Fee estimates for services provided post-transition should be discussed in advance.