Self-Determination Program

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a different way to receive services through GGRC. It gives you more choice and control over the services and supports that you use to live an independent life.

SDP is a program that gives you the responsibility and freedom to oversee your own budget and use community services, even if those services are not offered by traditional GGRC service providers. You still meet with your GGRC social worker to review your service needs and to develop your budget. You can also work with an “Independent Facilitator” (or “IF”) to help you manage your budget and find services in the community to meet your goals and interests. 

GGRC is required to follow the California state law that describes the Self Determination Program. This law is Welfare and Institutions Code Section 4685.8. 

The statewide Self-Determination Program adheres to the following principles to ensure those who participate have:

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 will help you live, work, love and play in your community.

Responsibility – Your budget is funded by public money. You have the responsibility to use your budget wisely to purchase the services you want and need, while following SDP requirements.

Confirmation – As the decision maker of your life, you help coordinate the services that support you to have a valued role in your community.

The Self-Determination Program is open to individuals who:

  • Are eligible for regional center services 
  • are age 3 and older* 
  • live in a licensed long-term health facility or developmental center and plan to move into the community within 90 days

* In some cases, families in Early Start can use SDP services. Ask your social worker for more information if you are in Early Start and are interested in SDP. 

If you want to participate in the SDP program, you must follow some requirements. Here are a few of those requirements:

  • Attend an SDP orientation 
  • Willing to find your own services or work with an Independent Facilitator to find your services 
  • Only purchase services that match your Individual Program Plan (IPP) 
  • Only use SDP funds to purchase a service when generic resources are not available.
  • Willing to work with a Fiscal Management Service (FMS) to manage your budget funds
Learn more about DDS-approved FMS providers for individuals receiving GGRC services

* Please note that not all FMS providers have the capacity to accept new referrals

Getting Started with SDP

To start, tell your GGRC social worker that you want to participate in SDP and participate in an SDP orientation. Learn more about the SDP orientation on the State Council for Developmental Disabilities website.

Once you and your social worker have talked about this program, your social worker can approve funding for you to work with a Person-Centered Planner outside of the regional center to work with you to develop a person-centered plan that will help with the next steps in starting SDP services.

If you have questions or want to learn more about SDP, we’re here to help. Email: sdp@ggrc.org

Learn More or Sign Up for a SDP Orientation Session

Office of the Self-Determination Program Ombudsperson

The Ombudsperson helps people served by regional centers, Self-Determination participants, and their families to understand and take part in the Self-Determination Program. They can answer questions, explain your options, and help resolve concerns.

For more information, please visit the Ombudsperson website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/office-of-the-self-determination-ombudsperson/

Email: SDP.Ombudsperson@dds.ca.gov

Phone: (877) 658-9731

Self Determination Local Advisory Committee (SDLAC)

The Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee is a group of volunteers who help guide and improve the Self-Determination Program at GGRC. The committee includes people who use regional center services, family members, as well as a representative from the State Council on Developmental Disabilties (SCDD).

SDLAC advises GGRC on topics such as:

  • Community outreach and education
  • Successes and challenges experienced by SDP participants
  • Feedback from individuals and families
  • New ideas and process improvements

Committee members are chosen by GGRC and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities Bay Area Office

Current SDLAC Members

Jennifer Walsh, Co-Chair/Self-Advocate

Sascha Bittner, Self-Advocate

Christine Kantor, Parent Advocate

Representative, Office of Clients; Rights Advocate – Attorney/Clients’ Rights Advocate

Alyson Sinclair, Parent Advocate

Barclay Lynn, Advocate

Ken Parekh, Co-Chair/Parent Advocate

Elizabeth Grigsby, GGRC Consumer Rights Advocate/Self-Advocate

Brenda Bachechi, Community Advocate

Sandy Chin, Parent Advocate

Aparna Kommineni, Advocate

Sheraden Nicholau, SCDD Advisor, State Council on Developmental Disabilities – Regional Manager, Bay Area Office

Interested in joining the committee?

Individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates, and community members are encouraged to apply.

Apply Now!

Record of SDLAC Meeting Minutes

Resources for the Self-Determination Program

View All Resources
  • Link Close up of hands typing on laptop computer keyboard. Person is wearing a blue button-down shirt.

    SDP Orientation

    Open Link
  • Video Preview of the DDS "Intro to Self-Determination Program" video in Spanish. Click to watch.

    Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo: Introducción a la autodeterminación

    Watch Video
  • Link Deaf mother signing with son while they work together on a laptop.

    DDS Initiatives: Self-Determination Program

    Open Link