Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SSDAC) Best Practices Platform

This webpage serves as a resource for participants, regional centers, Local Advisory Committies (LACs), and service providers to assist in the successful implementation of the Self-Determination Program. 

The best practices listed below have been reviewed and approved by the Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee.

 

Individual Budgets

The individual budget is the amount of regional center funding that is available to the SDP participant to pay for the services, supports, activities, and equipment needed to implement their Person-Centered Plan and IPP. The information and resources in this section have been selected by the SSDAC to assist regional centers and consumers with determining the participant’s individual budget.

Enrollment

Enrollment in the Self-Determination Program is a multi-step process that begins with SDP Orientation and includes Person-Centered Planning, spending plan development, FMS and staff selection, and more. The following practices and resources have been identified to aid in the enrollment process.

Spending Plans

Through person-centered planning, the SDP participant develops a Spending Plan, which identifies the type and amount of services and supports needed to achieve their goals and ensure their health and safety. The SSDAC has identified the following best/promising practices in developing a Spending Plan.

Training and Education (UPDATED 4/12/2024)

The SSDAC recognizes the following training and education resources and curriculum as best or promising practices.

  • People Planning Together – Person Centered Planning Training
    • The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices is a community of volunteers that provides education on methods of person-centered thinking, planning, and support across the lifespan for all people. The SSDAC recommends that self-advocates who need assistance with Person Centered Planning explore the People Planning Together Training, which is developed by and for people with disabilities. More information can be found at the following link:  https://tlcpcp.com/our-work/people-planning-together/

  • San Diego Regional Center’s website has been identified by the SSDAC as an excellent example of how Self-Determination Program information should be organized and presented for people with I/DD and their families. This website is featured as a best practice due to the following features:

    1. Website content is written clearly and in plain language
    2. The 4 phases of enrollment in SDP are prominently displayed and described
    3. Testimonial videos from SDP participants are featured in multiple languages

     

Independent Facilitators

Independent Facilitators provide SDP participants with the support they need to be successful in the program. Below is a list of best/promising practices and resources for independent facilitation.

Person Centered Planning (UPDATED 4/12/2024)

Person-Centered Planning is the first step of Self-Determination. During this process, the Self-Determination Program participant makes decisions about their personal dreams and goals to help determine what supports and services will allow them to live the life of their choosing. Below is a list of practices and resources to assist with Person-Centered Planning.

  • People Planning Together – Person Centered Planning Training
    • The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices is a community of volunteers that provides education on methods of person-centered thinking, planning, and support across the lifespan for all people. The SSDAC recommends that self-advocates who need assistance with Person Centered Planning explore the People Planning Together Training, which is developed by and for people with disabilities. More information can be found at the following link:  https://tlcpcp.com/our-work/people-planning-together/
Financial Management Service (FMS)

Financial Management Service (FMS) Providers/Agencies are independent businesses that contract with regional centers to manage the financial and employment aspects of the SDP. The SSDAC will identify best/promising policies and practices of FMS providers to support the development of a robust and diverse marketplace of providers for SDP participants to choose from.

Local Volunteer Advisory Committees (LVACs) (UPDATED 4/11/2024)

The Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee is made up of the Chairs (and/or Co-Chairs/Designees) of the Local Volunteer Advisory Committees (LVACs) of each of the 21 Regional Centers. These are the practices that the committee has determined to be useful in ensuring that LVACs function at their highest capacity:

The SSDAC recommends using Self-Determination Program Implementation Funds to establish contracts with local agencies/organizations to address areas of concern in your region. Below you will find an example of a Request for Proposal (RFP) created by the Kern Regional Center’s LVAC that has resulted in the development of successful programs. In response to the referenced RFP, Kern was able to secure a grantee(s)/identify a project(s) that would:

      • Increase the number of participants transitioned to Self-Determination.
      • Enhance participants’ and families’ working knowledge of Self-Determination.
      • Provide individualized guidance.
      • Establish accessible Self-Determination mentoring and technical support.
      • Provide group trainings and coaching to address specific topics (person‑centered planning, spending plan, generic resources, Financial Management Service selection, Independent Facilitation, etc.).
      • Provide other tailored trainings as identified by the regional center and local advisory committee to ensure quality of learning in all aspects of the SDP in English and Spanish.
      • Prepare and support the regional center, service providers and other stakeholders for increased Self-Determination implementation.
    • Kern Regional Center Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee Request for Proposals for Use of Self-Determination Implementation Funds

Far Northern Regional Center has used their Implementation Funds to establish an Independent Facilitator Grant, which offers funding to support cost that include but are not limited to the following:

      • Person centered thinking training
      • Training materials
      • Travel expenses related to training within a 500 mile radius
      • Lodging
      • Mileage reimbursement and per diem
      • Technology equipment
      • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
      • Workshops/trainings related to IF and individuals with developmental disabilities
      • Fingerprinting and background check expenses
Systemic Program Improvements

The SSDAC recognizes the following as best/promising practices in systemic program improvements.

Oversight

The SSDAC recognizes the following as best/promising practices in oversight of the Self-Determination Program.

Disparities

It is the goal of the SSDAC, SCDD and the Department of Developmental Services to reduce disparities in access to and participation in the Self-Determination Program. The SSDAC will identify best and promising practices in reducing disparities and making self-determination accessible to all.

Outreach (UPDATED 4/12/2024)

Regional centers employ a variety of outreach methods and create outreach materials to ensure that diverse communities throughout the state are informed about the Self-Determination Program and have the resources needed to enroll. This section will include best practices in conducting outreach, as well as examples of outreach materials designed to increase equity in access to the SDP.

  • San Diego Regional Center’s website has been identified by the SSDAC as an excellent example of how Self-Determination Program information should be organized and presented for people with I/DD and their families. This website is featured as a best practice due to the following features:

    1. Website content is written clearly and in plain language
    2. The 4 phases of enrollment in SDP are prominently displayed and described
    3. Testimonial videos from SDP participants are featured in multiple languages

     

National Best Practices

States throughout the nation continue to develop programs to support the self-determination of individuals with disabilities and their families. The SSDAC will identify best and promising practices from these programs to aid in systems change and advocacy work to improve self-determination for Californians with disabilities and their families.