Self Determination Resources

The ELARC Self-Determination Orientation Guide

The ELARC Self-Determination Orientation Guide was created through a collaboration of the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center Self-Determination Local Volunteer Advisory Committee, regional center staff, and Helen Sanderson Associates. The content was adapted from materials from the Department of Developmental Services and Tri-Counties Regional Center. The Person-Centered Planning module includes resources from the Learning Community for Person Centered Practices and Charting the Life Course from University of Missouri, Kansas City. A heartfelt thanks to all contributors!

See the complete guide in different languages or divided in different topics.

Developing the Individual Budget

In alignment with the key principles of the Self-Determination Program (SDP), participants have the authority to control a certain amount of money to purchase needed services and supports. This amount of money is called an individual budget. View the Department of Developmental Services' (DDS) directive on the Individual Budget.

• Developing Directive - English(PDF, 399KB)
  • Developing Directive - Spanish(PDF, 97KB)
  • Developing Directive - Chinese(PDF, 304KB)
  • Developing Directive - Korean(PDF, 215KB)
  • Developing Directive - Vietnamese(PDF, 192KB)

Independent Facilitator

Participants in SDP may choose someone who helps them implement their program. That person is called an Independent Facilitator (IF). Independent facilitators, as defined in Welfare & Institutions (W&I) Code §4685.8(c)(2) are people who are selected and directed by the participant and who are able to provide assistance in the following ways:

• Assisting the individual with making informed decisions regarding their individual budget
• Locating, accessing and coordinating services and supports consistent with the participant’s Individual Program Plan (IPP)
• Identifying immediate and long-term needs and developing options to meet those needs
• Leading, participating, and/or advocating on behalf of participants in the person-centered planning process and development of the IPP
• Obtaining identified services and supports

DDS's Full Directive on Independent Facilitators (English)(PDF, 249KB)

• DDS's Full Directive on Independent Facilitators (Spanish)(PDF, 82KB)
• DDS's Full Directive on Independent Facilitators (Chinese)(PDF, 152KB)
• DDS's Full Directive on Independent Facilitators (Korean)(PDF, 178KB)
• DDS's Full Directive on Independent Facilitators (Vietnamese)(PDF, 163KB)

Standardized Vendorization Packet for Pre-Enrollment Supports

The Department of Developmental Services (Department) approved a standardized vendorization packet for Self-Directed Supports (Service Code 099).

Regional centers shall require only the documents provided in the enclosed packet for all potential vendors interested in providing Self-Directed Supports. Any deviation from the use of this packet requires advance approval from the Department. The packet includes the following documents:

1. Vendor Packet Checklist(PDF, 56KB)
2. General Self-Directed Supports Qualifications and Agreement Form(PDF, 124KB)
3. Financial Management Services Self-Directed Supports Qualifications and Agreement Form(PDF, 125KB)
4. DS1890 Vendor Application with sample form and FAQs(PDF, 739KB)
5. DS1891 Applicant/Vendor Disclosure Statement with sample form(PDF, 745KB)
6. Conflict of Interest Form with FAQs(PDF, 201KB)
7. Business Associate Agreement/HIPAA Form with FAQs(PDF, 367KB)
8. Home and Community-Based Services Provider Agreement Form with sample form(PDF, 2MB)
9. W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification(PDF, 142KB)

For more details, view the full correspondence to the Regional Centers(PDF, 112KB).

Financial Management Services

A Financial Management Services, or FMS, provider plays a key role in supporting people who choose to get their regional center services through the SDP. Everyone in SDP must use an FMS provider to help:

• Manage the individual budget and pay for services, including paying employees
• Assist with hiring employees
• Make sure providers are qualified to deliver services
• Help providers get a criminal background check, if needed.

DDS Directive - English(PDF, 99KB)

• DDS Directive - Spanish(PDF, 108KB)
• DDS Directive - Chinese(PDF, 238KB)
• DDS Directive - Korean(PDF, 188KB)
• DDS Directive - Vietnamese(PDF, 213KB)