Life without limits.
We exist to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to live a life without limits.
Person-Centered Planning
Person-Centered Planning is a process that focuses on the individual’s strengths, needs, and goals, creating a support plan based on what matters most to them. It helps the person shape their own future with the right support in place.
Pre-Transition Support
Pre-Transition Support services include attending IPP/SDP meetings, reviewing the budget, developing the Spending Plan, selecting and coordinating with a Financial Management Service (FMS), onboarding employees and providers, and communicating with the Regional Center and FMS. Our support continues from the first planning meeting through a smooth and successful entry into SDP.
Ongoing Independent Facilitator Support
We are here to ensure every family experiences a smooth, successful, and empowering Self-Determination Program. Support is flexible and tailored to each family’s needs. We are easily reachable for questions, guidance, problem -solving, coordination of services, and transition to the subsequent year.
What is Self Determination?
What is Choice Forward?
Experience the Choice Forward empowerment. Our dedication to integrity, inclusion and competence fuels our skilled and compassionate care. We cherish our clients and advocate on their behalf as we would for our own family. Because everyone has the right to be seen, heard, and experience a life of purpose and meaning.
How do I enroll in the Self-Determination? (SD)
As of July 1, 2021, the Self-Determination Program (SDP) began to be available on a voluntary basis to any eligible regional center consumer. If you are interested in transitioning to the SDP, you should contact your regional center service coordinator and let them know of your interest. The first step will be attending an initial SDP orientation. The Department contracts with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) to provide SDP orientation. You may sign up for a SCDD orientation here. The Department plans to offer orientation through one or more state-wide entities in the future. You also may attend an orientation offered by your regional center.
Do you take new clients now?
We are fully booked right now but we have a waiting list for April. We recommend scheduling a discovery meeting to see if we are a good fit and joining our waiting list.
Can I participate in the SD Program?
To be eligible for the program, you or your family member must:
- Have a developmental disability and currently receiving services from a California regional center OR, be a new client of a regional center.
- Be over the age of three or, if under, be qualified for services through the Lanterman Act
- Live in the community and have free choice in your life.
- You are not eligible if you live in a licensed long-term health care facility unless you are using it to transition from that facility.
Why should I choose Choice Forward?
Since 2023, we’ve helped transition over 60 families to SDP.
Choice Forward offers quick turnaround times for emails and communication.
We bring expertise in special education, co-occurring disabilities. We understand the unique challenges of raising children with disabilities. We are deeply involved and connected within the local community.
We have 17 years of experience advocating for inclusion and supporting individuals with disabilities.
We are culturally sensitive, with strong language access, and have experience with unique communication needs.
We are proud members of Cal-IF, a professional organization dedicated to promoting Independent Facilitators.
How long does it take to enter the SD Program?
This depends. There are several steps on the Regional Center side, as well as factors such as family availability and the process of finding and onboarding providers. On average, entering the Self-Determination Program takes about 4–9 months from start to finish.
Why should I get an Independent Facilitator?
It can be difficult to navigate Regional Center resources. An Independent Facilitator brings added knowledge and experience to help families understand available services, and advocate effectively for supports that fit their unique needs. Independent Facilitators specialize in person-centered planning, budget navigation, and guiding families through the Self-Determination Program so they can make informed and responsible choices. As your Independent Facilitators, it is our job to support you through the process and design a successful program for support and community integration.
FAQ
We cherish our clients and advocate on their behalf as we would for our own family. Because everyone has the right to be seen, heard, and experience a life of purpose and meaning.