California's Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that gives individuals the freedom to choose their own services and supports using a budget allocated by their regional center. The program is built on five core principles:

 

Freedom — You choose where you live, how you spend your time, and who supports you.

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Authority — You control your budget and decide how to spend it to reach your goals.

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Support — You select the services and people that help you live the life you want in your community.

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Responsibility — You are accountable for your budget and how your funds are used.

 

Confirmation — You and your family are the decision-makers, selecting services and supports that help you achieve the goals in your Individual Program Plan (IPP).

 

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