Self-Determination is a new, voluntary, service delivery system in California that provides individuals and families with more flexibility than ever before. In Self-Determination, participants control a budget to purchase a wide variety of services and supports under the Lanterman Act, some of which are not available through the traditional service delivery system. As of July 1st, 2021, Self-Determination is open to most individuals served by the Regional Center who are ages 3 and older and/or have been diagnosed with a lifelong developmental disability. If you are interested in receiving information about upcoming events and trainings for the Self-Determination Program, please send an email to SelfDetermination@sclarc.org
You are also invited to attend SCLARC’s monthly Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee Meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm; please click here for more information. You can also click here to see the agenda for upcoming meetings and the archived minutes from past meetings. Self-Determination Program Local Advisory Committee Meetings are held in compliance with the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act, and details on what that entails can be found here.
What is Self-Determination?
Self-Determined
Maria Marquez-McCrory was one of the first people in California to receive self-determination services under the state’s pilot program.
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Self-Determination is a voluntary service delivery system that allows increased flexibility in service provision. It is governed by five principles; Freedom, Responsibility, Confirmation, Support, and Authority. Self-Determination is Person-Centered, and ultimately means “Nothing about me without me.” The Self-Determination Program in California is exciting because it provides individuals and families receiving Regional Center services the opportunity to spend their budget in alternate ways, including on services not available through the traditional service delivery system, with providers who may not be “vendored,” or have a contract with, the Regional Center, and in the amounts they choose. Self-Determination gives you choices!
For more information on Self-Determination, the following resources are available:
- Self-Determination Program
- Email the Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) Self-Determination Team
- Office of the Self-Determination Program Ombudsperson
- CA Self-Determination Program Statute
- Center for Self-Determination
- It’s My Choice
- Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination
- California Self-Determination Facebook Program Forum
- Self-Determination Orientation Workbook (English)
- Self-Determination Orientation Workbook (Spanish)
Accessing Self-Determination Services Step by Step:
How To Get Involved
If you would like to learn more about Self-Determination and access services, please attend a mandatory orientation session. Please click here for a list of SCLARC’s next scheduled sessions. SCLARC does not accept outside orientations, and you must attend the entirety of an orientation via SCLARC in order to be eligible. Send an email to SelfDetermination@sclarc.org in order to RSVP and secure your registration at the orientation. In addition, if you would like to be added to the email list to receive notification of other upcoming meetings, trainings, etc., regarding the Self-Determination program, you may also email SelfDetermination@sclarc.org.
Meetings, Trainings and Orientations
If you would like to see upcoming meeting dates for the Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee and for orientations and trainings, please visit our calendar page.