Our Solutions

We create individualized plans for neurodiverse people so they can become active participants in their own lives and contribute to their communities.

What is Self-Determination?

Self-Determination is a support model that empowers individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives. Instead of depending solely on traditional service systems, Self-Determination enables each person to make decisions about the services they get, who provides those services, and how their budget is allocated. California Regional Centers offers a Self-Determination Program.

At its heart, Self-Determination is about freedom, control, and personal choice. It acknowledges that every person is the expert on their own life and should have the chance to set their goals, direct their supports, and fully participate in their community. Through a person-centered planning process, individuals identify what matters most to them—and create a customized plan that reflects their strengths, needs, preferences, and vision for the future.

Self-Determination empowers people to:

Make decisions about their own services and supports

Choose the professionals and team members they want to work with

Manage an individualized budget to meet their unique needs

Create a life that is meaningful, connected, and self-directed

Ultimately, Self-Determination is about honoring autonomy, promoting dignity, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to pursue the life they choose—with the right support, at the right time, and in the way that works best for them.

The 5 principles of Self-Determination

The Self-Determination Program is based on five key principles:

Freedom

You plan your own life and make your own decisions, just like people without disabilities are able to do.

Authority

You decide how money is spent for your services and supports.

Support

You pick the people and supports that help you live, work and play in your community.

Responsibility

To make decisions in your life, to be accountable for using public money and to accept your valued role in the community.

Confirmation

You are the most important person when making plans for your life. You are the decision maker about your services.

How We Can Help

We create individualized plans for neurodiverse people so they can become active participants in their own lives and contribute to their communities.

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 helps individuals and families prepare for entering the Self-Determination Program. It includes understanding the process, gathering needed documents, reviewing the current IPP, exploring goals, and learning what choices and responsibilities come with SDP. The goal is to make the transition smooth, informed, and confident.

Ongoing Independent Facilitator Support

We are here to ensure every family experiences a smooth, successful, and empowering Self-Determination Program. Our ongoing support helps you stay organized, confident, and fully supported throughout your SDP journey.

Below is a list of levels of engagement we offer to make this process smooth and successful:

SILVER Level

Includes:

Quarterly check-ins
Budget revisions, Spending Plan revisions (1-2/year)
Transition to the next SDP year, SDP IPP support
PCP updates
Email, text, and phone support

GOLD Level: A Deeper Level of Support