Regional Center planning, individual budgets, spending plans, FMS, and practical next steps
Prepared by Yvonne Yoo, Independent Facilitator
info@pathbridgesolutions.com
Want help applying this guide? Start with a free first 30-minute Zoom or phone conversation.
Request my free first 30 minutesThe Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that gives individuals with developmental disabilities more control over the services and supports they receive through California's Regional Center system.
The core idea: Instead of the Regional Center choosing and managing your services, you decide what services you need, who provides them, and how your budget is spent.
2026 orientation update: Beginning April 1, 2026, SCDD is the only approved statewide SDP orientation provider. New participants who did not complete orientation before that date must finish both two-hour parts before beginning the transition; people already enrolled or previously oriented do not retake it. See dates, registration, and language-request options on SCDD's official page.
Under WIC §4685.8, an Independent Facilitator (IF) is a person selected by the participant to help them understand and navigate the Self-Determination Program.
Remember: You have the right to choose your own IF, and you can change your IF at any time. The IF works for you.
The Self-Determination Program is built on a foundation of participant empowerment. Here are your key rights.
You have the right to select and change your Independent Facilitator at any time. Your IF should be someone you trust.
You direct how your individual budget is spent on services and supports that meet your identified needs and goals.
Select the service providers who best fit your needs, including the option to hire your own workers directly.
Your plan must be developed through a person-centered process that focuses on your strengths, preferences, and goals.
Important: If you disagree with a decision, you have the right to appeal. You can also leave SDP and return to traditional services at any time — it is always voluntary.
The Individual Program Plan (IPP) is the roadmap for your services. Here's how it works in the Self-Determination Program.
A facilitated meeting where you share your goals, dreams, preferences, and needs. Your IF helps you prepare and participate.
Based on your IPP goals, you and your IF create a spending plan that shows how your individual budget will be used.
Meet with your service coordinator to finalize the plan. Your IF attends to support you. Who attends: you, your family/support, your IF, and your service coordinator.
After approval, a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider helps put the financial arrangements in place. Services can begin once the required authorizations and provider setup are complete.
Your plan is reviewed regularly. You can request changes at any time as your needs evolve.
Your Regional Center determines your SDP individual budget through its budget process. The budget and spending plan are different: the spending plan explains how approved funds will meet your needs. Confirm the calculation and authorization with your service coordinator.
An FMS handles the financial side of SDP:
You choose your FMS provider. Ask your Regional Center which providers are available and approved for your situation.
One of the biggest benefits of SDP is the freedom to choose your own providers. Here's how to navigate your options.
Licensed agencies that employ staff to provide services like respite, day programs, and therapies. They handle HR and compliance.
Individual professionals you contract with directly. Often more flexible and personalized, but you manage the relationship.
People you hire directly — family friends, community members, etc. Your FMS handles payroll. Most flexible option.
Tips for vetting providers:
For Korean-speaking families, having an Independent Facilitator who speaks your language and understands your culture can make all the difference.
Tell your Regional Center your preferred language and request interpretation and translated documents when needed. A bilingual IF can support clear, direct communication. Confirm how language support will be provided before your meeting.
Every family has its own perspectives on disability, family roles, and caregiving. A culturally responsive IF listens to your preferences and advocates in ways that respect your values.
Consider speaking with more than one Independent Facilitator. California DDS explains that a specific certification or license is not required, but an IF must receive training in self-determination principles, person-centered planning, and the responsibilities of the role.
Know your options: Hiring an IF is optional. A participant may instead ask their Regional Center service coordinator to perform the available IF functions. Review the California DDS Independent Facilitators guidance, then use this checklist to compare fit.
RCOC states that pre-enrollment transition support from an Independent Facilitator may be funded through Self-Directed Supports (Service Code 099). Authorization depends on the participant's IPP and RCOC's current process. Review RCOC's current SDP guidance.
SCDD's current service directory lists Independent Facilitator as Service Code 340. Before work begins, the participant, Regional Center, and FMS should confirm authorization, written scope, rate, and how the service fits the individual budget. Review the SCDD service entry.
Why confirm first: A service code is not a promise of payment. Ask the Regional Center and FMS which authorization, provider-onboarding, invoice, and documentation steps apply to your situation before signing an agreement or beginning paid work.
With over 25 years supporting families across education, disability, and community-service systems—and a passion for empowering Korean-speaking families—I bring practical, family-centered experience to my current work as an Education and Disability Advocate and SDP Independent Facilitator.
I help you prepare for meetings, attend alongside you, and work to make sure your goals and needs are clearly communicated and documented.
I help you understand your individual budget, develop your spending plan, and make the most of your allocated resources.
I help you find, vet, and coordinate with service providers who meet your needs and share your cultural values.
I advocate for your rights within the Regional Center system, help you navigate challenges, and support you in seeking services you are entitled to receive.
My experience includes: 25+ years supporting families across education, disability, and community-service systems, plus extensive experience in Special Education. Today I apply that background as an Education and Disability Advocate and SDP Independent Facilitator, helping families understand the process and move forward with confidence.
PathBridge supports families in Korean and English throughout all 58 California counties by Zoom or phone, regardless of Regional Center or school district. In-person options may also be available based on location and need.
Ready to explore the Self-Determination Program? I'm here to help you every step of the way.
All California — all 58 counties
Korean & English support by Zoom or phone
Contact me for a free first 30-minute consultation by Zoom or phone. We can discuss your questions and whether SDP may fit your needs. Korean-language consultations are available — 한국어 상담이 가능합니다.