Dream Building Consultants

Supporting Your SDP Transition, One Step at a Time

The Self-Determination Program gives you greater choice, control, and flexibility over your services and supports. While the transition process can feel overwhelming, our team is here to guide you through each step and help turn your vision into a successful plan.

  1. Two people sitting at a table, talking and looking at notes together.
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    Self-Determination Program Orientation

    SDP Orientation is a state requirement for every family who wishes to transition to the Self-Determination Program (SDP). After completing the orientation, you will receive an SDP Orientation Certificate, which must be submitted to your Service Coordinator as part of the enrollment process.

    SDP Orientation Website
  2. A Dream Building Consultants client exploring a dinosaur exhibit at a museum.
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    Person-Centered Plan

    A Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is a document that focuses on the individual's goals, preferences, strengths, needs, and vision for the future. It helps identify what is important to the person, their vision for the future, any unmet needs, the support they need to be successful, and how services and resources can be used to help them achieve their goals.

    In the Self-Determination Program (SDP), the Person-Centered Plan serves as the foundation for developing the individual's spending plan and ensures that services and supports are tailored to their unique needs and desired outcomes. It is created through conversations with the participant and the people they choose to be involved in the planning process.

  3. A family of five laughing together outdoors in warm evening light.
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    Transition Process to SDP

    Self-Determination gives you the freedom to choose the services and supports that best meet your needs, but navigating the process can be overwhelming. We help you develop a customized support plan and spending plan that reflects your goals, aligns with your Person-Centered Plan, and meets Regional Center requirements.

    • Connect services and supports to the goals identified in the Person-Centered Plan
    • Explore resources and opportunities that foster independence, skill development, and community participation
    • Create a spending plan that effectively utilizes your SDP budget to meet your goals and needs
    • Ensure your spending plan and services comply with Regional Center and Self-Determination Program requirements
    • Assist with onboarding and enrollment with your Financial Management Service (FMS) to help manage and track your SDP budget
    • Provide ongoing Independent Facilitator support after your transition to SDP, including guidance, problem-solving, and assistance with implementing and maintaining your services and supports
  4. An overview of what an SDP budget can cover — day program, respite, camp, personal assistant, independent living skills, and more.
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    The Budget

    The budget in SDP is the way your funding is reviewed, calculated, and turned into a spending plan you can actually use. Here's how it works step by step:

    • First, your Regional Center reviews your current services and determines what you are already authorized to receive.
    • Those services are converted into a total annual dollar amount, which becomes your base SDP Individual Budget.
    • The Regional Center considers the unmet needs in the PCP and adjusts or adds funding to the SDP budget depending on what is justified and approved.
    • Work with your IF to create a spending plan that outlines how the funds will be used.
  5. A Dream Building Consultants client out and about with his service dog.
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    The Spending Plan

    The spending plan process in SDP is how your approved budget is turned into real services and supports you can use. Here's how it typically works:

    • First, your SDP Individual Budget is established based on your current Regional Center services and any approved adjustments.
    • Next, you (with an Independent Facilitator) choose services, supports, and providers that match those goals.
    • These choices are organized into a Spending Plan, showing how your budget will be used throughout the year.
    • The spending plan is submitted to your Regional Center for review and approval to ensure it follows SDP rules and fits within your budget.
    • The plan can be updated as needs change, as long as it stays within your approved budget and guidelines.
  6. A selection of Financial Management Services (FMS) companies that support the Self-Determination Program.
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    Onboarding with the FMS

    Here are the typical steps to onboard with a Financial Management Service (FMS) in the Self-Determination Program (SDP):

    • After your Spending Plan is approved, the Regional Center confirms your SDP start date.
    • You and your IF select an FMS provider.
    • You complete required FMS enrollment paperwork and agreements, including forms for payroll and vendor payments.
    • The FMS reviews your approved spending plan to understand what services and providers they will manage.
    • Provider and vendor information is collected so the FMS can set up payments and contracts.
    • If you hire staff or direct employees, the FMS helps with payroll setup, background checks, and tax requirements.
    • Once everything is processed, the FMS becomes active and begins managing payments, tracking your budget, and supporting financial reporting.
  7. Dream Building Consultants — Independent Facilitators for the Self-Determination Program.
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    Ongoing Independent Facilitator Support

    Ongoing Independent Facilitator support provides continued guidance and assistance after a family has transitioned into the Self-Determination Program (SDP).

    • We help ensure services are working as intended, support problem-solving as needs change, and assist with updates to the Person-Centered Plan and Spending Plan when needed.
    • Families can rely on continued advocacy, coordination, and support to help them stay on track and make informed decisions throughout their SDP journey.

Ready to start your SDP journey?

We will be in touch within 1-3 business days to schedule your free consultation.

Schedule a free consultation→info@dreambuildingconsultants.com