Self-Determination Eligibility and Orientation
Eligibility & orientation
Eligibility criteria
To participate in the , a person with a developmental disability must:
- Be a regional center consumer, and
- Agree to the following specified in the law:
- Attend an orientation to the Self-Determination Program
- Use Self-Determination Program funds only when are not available
- Only purchase services necessary to implement the
- Manage services and supports within an individual budget
- Use a Financial Management Services provider
Consumers residing in a developmental center may be for the Self-Determination Program if they are expected to transition to the community within 90 days.
Participants do not have to be in the Medi-Cal program.
Getting started
Anyone who would like to join the Self Determination Program (SDP) is required to complete the SDP orientation process to participate in the program.
Effective April 1, 2026, the SDP Orientation will consist of two required two-hour sessions. Part A must be completed before Part B, and both must be finished prior to SDP enrollment. Individuals who completed the State Council on Developmental Disabilities () SDP orientation before April 1, 2026, or who are already enrolled in the SDP, are not required to retake it but may do so voluntarily.
Once both Part A and B of the SCDD SDP Orientation are completed, please send your certificate of completion to your WRC to initiate the next steps in enrolling in the SDP.
To start the SDP orientation, please visit: https://scdd.ca.gov/sdp-orientation/
If you have questions or concerns regarding the orientation or other aspects of the SDP, please contact your Service Coordinator. If you are not sure who your Service Coordinator is, or need support connecting with WRC, please reach out to SDP Unit Assistant, Anthony Davis, who can direct you to the best point of contact.
Shows what this word means
Self-Determination Program
The Self-Determination Program is a way to get WRC services where you choose your own providers and manage a budget.
WRC’s definition
The California statewide Self-Determination Program is a voluntary alternative to the traditional way of providing regional center services.
Generic resources
Generic resources are help that is open to everyone, like health insurance, Medi-Cal or school services. WRC checks these first.
WRC’s definition
Services offered or available to the general public, as distinguished from specialized services for specific groups of people. For example, training provided by the Department of Rehabilitation is a generic service available to any California resident in need of rehabilitation. In the absence of a generic service, Westside may purchase that service for its clients.
IPP (Individual Program Plan)
An IPP is a written plan you make with WRC. It lists your goals and the services that help you reach them.
WRC’s definition
Individual Program Plan/Individual Support Plan. A written statement of goals and specific objectives in areas important to the client. Each objective contains one or more plans to achieve it and a target date for completion.
Eligibility
Eligibility is whether a person can get WRC services. WRC decides it after an assessment.
WRC’s definition
The process to determine whether, and to what degree, an individual has developmental deficits. An assessment identifies the individual’s strengths, abilities, needs, and developmental level.
SCDD (State Council on Developmental Disabilities)
SCDD is an independent state agency that speaks up for people with developmental disabilities.
WRC’s definition
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need. Formerly known as Area Boards, WRC worked closely with Area Board 10 which was one of 13 agencies in the state that oversaw plans for people with developmental disabilities. Duties include advocacy and monitoring of programs.
Service coordinator
Your service coordinator is your main contact at WRC. They help plan and arrange the services in your plan.
WRC’s definition
A service coordinator (SC) will be assigned to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP) and assist with arranging appropriate services.