What is "Self-Determination?"
Self-Determination is a way of life for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities that is
made up of ideas like free will, civil and human rights, freedom of choice, independence, self-direction
and individuality. Specifically, Self-Determination means…
Freedom, which includes the ability of adults with developmental disabilities to exercise the same
rights as all citizens; to establish, with freely chosen supporters, family and friends, where they
want to live, with whom they want to live, how their time will be occupied, and who supports them;
and, for families, to have the freedom to receive unbiased assistance of their own choosing when
developing a plan and to select all personnel and supports to further the life goals of a minor child.
Authority, which includes the ability of a person with a disability, or family, to control a certain
sum of dollars in order to purchase services and supports of their choosing.
Support, which includes the ability to arrange resources and personnel, both formal and informal,
that will assist a person with a disability to live a life in his or her community that is rich in
community participation and contributions.
Responsibility, which includes the ability of participants to take responsibility for decisions in their
own lives and to be accountable for the use of public dollars, and to accept a valued role in their
community through, for example, competitive employment, organizational affiliations, spiritual
development, and general caring of others in their community.
Confirmation, which includes confirmation of the critical role of participants and their families in
making decisions in their own lives and designing and operating the system that they rely on.
What is the "Self-Determination Program" (SDP)?
SDP is a voluntary regional center program that provides participants with an individual budget, which
they use to purchase the services/activities/items and the care/support they need to carry out and
achieve their person-centered plan (PCP) and Individual Program Plan (IPP). For many, this has
been life changing because it provides more choice, independence, freedom and control for
regional center clients and their families. For example, participants and families may purchase
services from traditional providers or local businesses, hire support workers directly, or negotiate
unique arrangements with groups and individuals in their communities. People with disabilities are in
charge of their own lives, not the professionals or systems that support them.
Who is Eligible for this Program?
To be eligible for the program, you or your family member must:
• Have a developmental disability and currently be 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.