Self‑Determination Program
The California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) offers a wide range of services to developmentally disabled individuals and their families. One of the fundamental objectives of the DDS is to empower those with developmental disabilities to access the care they need in a way that is personalized to their specific needs. Additionally, DDS aims to provide service in a way that allows individuals to remain active and independent members of their community. The Self-Determination Program (“SDP”) is one of the primary ways the DDS accomplishes this goal.
Overview: Self Determination Program DDS California
The California DDS Self-Determination Program was officially launched in 2013. Initially rolled out on a limited basis, the program is now available to everyone who is eligible for services through the DDS. The SDP is designed to give developmentally disabled individuals and their families even more control and independence in the care they receive. Generally, when a person receives care through the DDS, they work with their regional center to locate pre-approved care providers. However, SDP participants have an extra level of oversight into the care they receive and the providers they receive it from.
Put simply, the SDP gives each individual participant a budget. Using that budget, SDP participants hire care workers and select the precise service providers they want to work with. Instead of being limited to the state’s pre-approved providers, SDP participants can use their SDP budget to obtain care exactly how, when, and where they want it.
A person’s SDP budget can be used to pay for a broad range of services. Specifically, this can include developmental therapy, independent living, job development, community integration, or social engagement. Finally, to make sure everything goes smoothly, each program participant is matched with a financial management service (FMS) provider. An individual’s FMS provider can provide assistance navigating the program, finding and hiring care providers, and managing the SDP budget.
How to Enroll in California’s SDP
Any person who is eligible for services through the DDS can enroll in the SDP. Enrollment is administered through DDS regional centers. To begin the process, contact your regional center and let them know you want to participate in the SDP. From there, you will receive an orientation. During the orientation, families and participants learn about the responsibilities of managing an individual budget, the role of independent facilitators, and how to build a personalized plan. Finally, after being enrolled and completing orientation, program participants are paired with a team to help build out a care plan and use their SDP budget to obtain the care they need.
FAQ
Q: Who can join the program?
A: Anyone who is eligible for DDS services can join the SDP.
Q: Can families help manage the program?
A: Yes. Families are more than welcome to help their loved one manage their SDP plan. In fact, families are encouraged to play a supportive role with the individual receiving the care at the center of decision-making.
Q: What types of services can be purchased?
A: In general, services include the full range of care a developmentally disabled person may need. Specifically, this includes developmental therapy, community integration, job coaching, personal assistance, transportation, skill development, and more. Basically, if it’s part of a person’s care plan, the SDP budget can likely be used to purchase it.
Q: Do I need to hire an independent facilitator?
A: No. You ar enot required to hire an independent facilitator. One of the key features of the SDP is that each participant is paired with a financial management service provider who can help manage the entire program.
Q: Is there a cost to participate?
A: No. Eligible individuals do not pay out of pocket. Rather, their individual budget is funded by DDS through the regional center.