The Self-Determination Program is a program that empowers individuals with disabilities to have more control over the services and supports they receive. It allows participants to make decisions about their own lives and choose the services that best meet their needs.

A Person-Centered Plan is a customized plan that emphasizes an individual's strengths, preferences, and goals. It details the outcomes the individual wishes to achieve, the support required to reach those outcomes, and the strategies to improve the person's quality of life and independence.

An Independent Facilitator helps individuals and families in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) build a meaningful life plan based on their values, goals, and strengths. I guide you through the process, help write your Person-Centered Plan (PCP), support you in hiring staff, and assist with budgeting.

Yes! Independent Facilitation is an approved service under the Self-Determination Program. It is typically funded at the standard hourly rate by your Regional Center, once included in your plan.

Your Individual Budget is based on the services you received in the past 12 months through the traditional Regional Center system. The Regional Center reviews your past spending and works with you to calculate your annual Self-Determination budget. You don’t create it on your own, but as your facilitator, I can guide you through the process and help you request an accurate amount.

Your Individual Budget is the total amount of money available to you each year through SDP, based on your needs. Your Spending Plan is how you choose to use that budget — it lists the supports, services, and staff you want to fund. Together, they give you the flexibility to design the life you want while staying within your budget.

The budget is determined based on various factors, including the individual's needs, goals, preferences, and the approved funding from the Regional Center. It involves assessing the required services, supports, and resources to meet the individual's needs effectively within the allocated budget.

Your budget may change if: You had unusual services in the past year (like emergency or one-time expenses) Your needs have increased or decreased You request a reassessment You transition from traditional services to SDP and adjustments are made If your budget isn’t enough or doesn’t reflect your real needs, we can work together to ask for a reassessment or budget exception.