What Are the Steps to Enroll in California SDP Programs?

Families across California who want more control over the services they use through the state’s Regional Centers often look into the Self-Determination Program, or SDP. Instead of a fixed list of service options, this program lets people with developmental disabilities make choices that fit their lives, build their own support teams, and manage how their funding is spent.

Starting can feel like a lot, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. The process does have several steps, but with clear guidance and good support, families can move through California SDP enrollment feeling a lot more confident. We’ve broken down the process into simple, real steps so it feels less confusing and a lot more doable.

Find Out If You’re Eligible for the Self-Determination Program

Before starting anything, the first step is making sure the individual is eligible. Not everyone who receives services through a Regional Center can join SDP right away.

1. The person must already be a client of one of California’s 21 Regional Centers. If someone is still finishing intake or hasn’t been referred yet, they’ll need to complete that before applying for SDP.

2. Typically, the person needs to have received services for a set amount of time. While the exact period may vary, families should check with their Service Coordinator to confirm these details.

3. Certain situations can delay enrollment. If there are unresolved planning issues, ongoing safety concerns, or major legal conflicts, these will likely need to be addressed first.

This part might seem a little slow, but confirming eligibility keeps everything moving smoothly down the line.

Complete the Orientation Step at Your Regional Center

Once you know you qualify, the next move is to attend the mandatory SDP orientation. This is required by the state before you can take any more steps toward setting up your services.

1. Each Regional Center holds these sessions either in-person, online, or both. Orientation helps you understand how SDP works, what your responsibilities are, and how to get support.

2. These sessions often last a few hours and are typically a one-time event. They cover planning, budgets, and how the participant can shape their own supports.

3. Family members are welcome to attend, and it’s best to bring anyone who will help the person with decision-making. You’ll sign up through your Service Coordinator or the Regional Center’s event calendar.

The main goal of orientation is to help families feel ready. Not every detail will make sense right away, but it gives you enough to move forward and ask better questions later.

Build Your Individualized Person-Centered Plan

Now things start to get more personal. After orientation, it’s time to create the person-centered plan. This plan lays out the individual’s goals in everyday life, what kind of help they need, and what matters most to them.

• The plan is usually written with support from a trained facilitator. Family members, friends, and sometimes staff members help shape this too.

• It covers much more than just “services.” The plan might talk about school, work, hobbies, or where someone wants to live. It helps identify what’s going well and what could be better if different support were in place.

• Good plans reflect what the person wants to do, not just what others think is best. This is the most flexible part of the program, and it sets the groundwork for every decision that comes next.

This isn’t something you have to do alone. There are people who guide you through building a plan that makes sense and works well beyond just the next year.

Create a Spending Plan and Choose Your FMS Provider

Once the person-centered plan is finished, it’s time to turn it into a structured budget. This is where California SDP enrollment begins to feel more real because you start shaping how to use the funding.

• The spending plan connects line-by-line with your approved annual budget. Each support or service goes into the plan with estimated hours or amounts.

• The person, their family, and often the facilitator will work together to balance what’s needed and what’s possible with the budget.

• This is also the point where you select a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider. The FMS helps you track spending, pay employees or vendors, and keep everything in line with the rules set by your Regional Center.

We specialize in digital tools for families in the Self-Determination Program, providing real-time budget tracking, simple dashboards, and tools to help you stay compliant without extra stress. Our services replace traditional paperwork with an all-in-one online system that makes managing funds and approving payments much easier.

FMS providers are not something you register with. Instead, you choose one that fits, you complete onboarding, and they help carry some of the workload, especially around payments, budget logs, and financial details.

Get Approval from Your Regional Center and Begin SDP Services

Once your spending plan is ready and you’ve chosen an FMS, your Regional Center needs to review and approve everything. This part is less about checking for mistakes and more about making sure the spending plan matches what was already discussed.

• Your Service Coordinator helps guide this step. They’ll review the budget, goals, and supports to make sure everything lines up with what the Regional Center can fund.

• Some families might also have their facilitator speak during meetings or calls to answer questions if anything needs clarification.

• Once it’s approved, the final step is turning on your SDP budget. Your FMS begins managing the financial side, and you can start using services the way your team planned.

Once services are active, this doesn’t mean your role ends. Monthly tracking, staff planning, and regular updates still matter, but they feel more manageable when the bigger steps are done.

Keep Moving Forward with Support That Fits

Getting through the steps of California SDP enrollment isn’t fast, but it creates a stronger path for everyday living. With each part, orientation, planning, budgeting, and choosing a financial provider, you learn a little more and gain more control.

No two families have the exact same plan. The process is built around one person at a time, which makes it feel personal and flexible. With our support, families have access to guidance at every stage, plus tools designed for California’s 19+ Regional Centers.

Ready for the Next Step?

For families ready to take this route, steady guidance can make all the difference. Whether it's planning goals or managing money through easier digital tools, the Self-Determination Program works best when families feel supported at every point.

We’re here to support every step of your planning process, from understanding how budgets work to finding the best fit for your team. We know it can feel overwhelming, but families often tell us things become clearer with the right guidance. To learn how we support families through California SDP enrollment, reach out to Accura FMS today.