Anyone who is a regional center consumer with a developmental disability can join the Self-Determination Program if they:

Agree to the program’s rules, like attending an orientation, working with a Financial Management Services provider, managing services within a set budget, and only buying eligible services.

Do not live in a licensed long-term health care facility (like a Skilled Nursing Facility, Intermediate Care Facility, or State Developmental Center). If someone in one of these facilities wants to join, they can ask the regional center for help transitioning to the program, as long as they are expected to move into the community within 90 days.

Participants in the Self-Determination Program must meet certain conditions, including applying for Medi-Cal if they are eligible. Your service coordinator can help determine your eligibility and assist with the application process. Some consumers who don’t qualify for regular Medi-Cal may be eligible through “institutional deeming.” The regional center can help with this application as well. Consumers not eligible for any form of Medi-Cal can still participate in the Self-Determination Program.

Person-centered planning focuses on an individual’s future and their goals. This process is led by the individual and should reflect what is important to them. Others, like family or friends, can be included only if the individual wants them involved. The choices made during person-centered planning determine what services and supports will help the individual reach their goals and are used to create their individual program plan (IPP) with their regional center.

No. A person-centered plan is optional.

Participants in the Self-Determination Program can choose an independent facilitator to help them:

• Make informed decisions about their individual budget
• Find, access, and coordinate services and supports that match their individual program plan (IPP)
• Identify immediate and long-term needs and develop options to meet those needs
• Lead, participate in, or advocate for them during the person-centered planning process and IPP development
• Obtain the needed services and supports

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An independent facilitator can help you find the best way to get things done and give you a clear plan to follow. They make sure everyone in the group is involved and contributing. They also help keep discussions on track and ensure everyone’s ideas are heard. By doing this, the group can work together more effectively and reach their goals faster..