What is the Self-Determination Program and How Does It Work in California?

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is something more families across California are starting to talk about, and for good reason. It's a newer way for people with developmental disabilities to have more say in their own lives. Instead of being told what services they can have or who provides them, participants get to make their own choices. That includes picking support workers, choosing where to go for activities, and even deciding how to use their funding.

If you've been hearing about the SDP and wondering what it’s all about, you’re not alone. Families in California who want more flexibility, more choice, and more control in how support is provided are looking into this option. The Self-Determination Program was created for those who want to build a life that works best for them, not one that’s based on a one-size-fits-all plan.

What Does “self-determination” Really Mean?

Self-determination just means having the freedom to make decisions about your own life. For someone with a developmental disability, this can feel like a big step forward. Instead of only following plans made by others, they get to help make the plan.

When a person gets to decide what’s important to them, it changes everything. They might want to spend time in their community, go back to school, or work on living more independently. Self-determination gives them the chance to set those goals and take real steps toward reaching them.

• It puts the person at the center of the planning

• It allows for choices that fit their lifestyle

• It gives their voice more power when it comes to selecting services or supports

This program is about building confidence, gaining independence, and making sure people with disabilities are heard and valued.

How the Self-Determination Program works in California

In California, the Self-Determination Program is offered through the Regional Centers. Each Regional Center works with people in a nearby area to help them get the services they need. Families who join the program stay connected with their Regional Center. What changes is how they plan and use their services.

Once someone decides to join SDP, the first thing they’ll do is create a person-centered plan. This is a big part of how the program works. It’s not just a checklist. It’s a real conversation about what the person wants in life, what makes them happy, what their goals are, and how they want to be supported.

After the plan is made, a spending budget is created based on what support they’ve received in the past. Then the family can begin choosing services that match the goals in the plan. They can take their time building a support team that really understands their needs. The plan can be updated as things change, so it remains helpful over time.

The program aims to give each individual options that fit their unique life. Whether a person wants to try new activities, spend more time with friends, or practice important skills, the flexibility of the SDP means their plan can be adjusted to suit those needs. People are encouraged to check in with their team and make changes as they go, making it a living plan instead of a fixed one.

Key Parts of the Program Families Should Know

The Self-Determination Program opens up a new way to manage care, but there are a few key pieces families should understand as they get started:

1. Services: Families can pick approved services that meet their needs, whether that includes independent living support, job coaching, social activities, or other skills.

2. Hiring Workers or Vendors: Instead of using only pre-approved vendors, families can choose who they want to work with. They can even hire trusted community members or people they already know.

3. Managing a Personal Budget: Families have a set yearly budget. They use it to pay for services and supports based on the plan they helped create.

Support is always part of the process. No one is expected to do it all alone. The team usually includes:

• An Independent Facilitator who helps design the plan and find supports

• A service coordinator from the Regional Center

• A Financial Management Service (FMS) that helps handle the financial side

Every part of the program is designed to give families guidance without taking away their voice. The team listens to what matters most to the person they’re supporting, making the experience more personal and less complicated. It’s about working together so everyone has a role and no important detail gets missed.

Why Having a Financial Management Service Matters

Managing funds in the Self-Determination Program takes careful attention, and that’s where a Financial Management Service comes in. The FMS helps families stick to the budget, handles payments, and keeps things organized behind the scenes.

With Accura FMS, families benefit from real-time budget tracking dashboards. These dashboards give a clear picture of how funds are being used and help families make informed decisions each month. Digital payment solutions help keep paperwork to a minimum, making the experience smoother and giving families more time to focus on what matters.

Without this kind of help, families might feel uncertain about how to pay workers or whether they’re spending their funds correctly. A good FMS for Self-Determination Program support will:

• Pay vendors, support workers, or staff hired by the family

• Track how funds are spent each month

• Make sure paperwork gets handled correctly

• Keep records families might need later

The program gives choice, but it also has accountability. An experienced FMS helps keep everything running smoothly without adding more stress to the family.

Families learn quickly that having the right Financial Management Service makes the process much easier. The FMS answers questions, gives reminders for when paperwork is needed, and points out if something in the budget needs attention before it becomes a problem. This kind of partnership helps families stay confident as they try new things within the program, knowing help is always close by.

When and How Families Can Get Started in California

Joining the Self-Determination Program starts with a request to the Regional Center. Families don’t have to rush into anything. Taking time to learn, ask questions, and talk with others who’ve already joined is a good first step.

There are a few ways to feel more ready before jumping in:

• Attend an orientation meeting hosted by the Regional Center

• Ask for stories from families who have already joined

• Meet with someone trained in person-centered planning

• Look at different Financial Management Services California families use and compare what's offered

It helps to build a strong support circle early on. That includes the right Independent Facilitator, a helpful FMS, and a service coordinator who listens. Fall is a good time to prepare so everything is in place for the new year.

Before starting, it’s helpful to write down questions or concerns. Some families might wonder how the budget is set up or what kinds of services are possible. Others might want to meet different FMS providers to see who feels like the best partner. Having these conversations early means fewer surprises as you move forward.

Regional Centers post information about orientation dates on their websites and are usually happy to help answer questions. If you’re not sure where to begin, calling the Regional Center staff is always a good way to start getting the details you need.

Building a Life That Fits You

The Self-Determination Program gives people the chance to build a life that fits them, not the other way around. It’s about having real choices. Some families want more time in their neighborhoods, more control over daily routines, or more meaningful experiences. This program can make space for that.

When families feel supported by tools that work, like the digital payment system and personalized dashboards from Accura FMS, they can focus more on helping their loved ones reach their goals. Giving someone with a developmental disability a voice in their care means really listening and trusting their choices. Sometimes that starts with having a strong team and technology that keeps everyone connected.

Wondering what makes the Self-Determination Program such a helpful option for families in California? We’re here to guide you every step of the way, so planning your next move feels simple and clear. At Accura FMS, we support you through each part of the journey so your loved one can grow in ways that matter most. Learn more about the Self-Determination Program and see how the right FMS can help you feel confident and in control. Contact us today to get started.