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The History of the Self Determination Pilots in California |
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Self Determination is a nationwide movement in the field of developmental disabilities. In 1999, as a result of Senate Bill 1038, the Lanterman Act was amended (Section 4685.5) to reflect California's commitment to examine the Self Determination model. Self Determination is defined in the law as "a means by which individuals who are eligible for state developmental disabilities services are empowered to gain control over the selection of services, or supports, that meet their own needs. The principles and values of self determination are implemented through new configurations of services and supports in combination with existing services." Although new in California, it has been developed and implemented in many states throughout the nation. Three Regional Centers, including ELARC, were originally identified to pilot this new service delivery model. Two additional Centers joined in the pilot. In 2005, the Lanterman Act was amended again, repealing Section 4685.5 and instead adding Section 4685.7 to establish, contingent upon approval of a federal waiver, the Self-Directed Services Program, which will be available in every regional center catchment area to provide participants, within an individual budget, greater control over needed services and supports, consistent with the requirements set forth in the bill. For the latest information from the State of California on the implementation of Self Directed Services click here: http://www.dds.ca.gov/SDPP/SD_Main.cfm
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Special Projects 