The Self-Determination Journey
For families new to the program, the process can feel unfamiliar at first. In reality, it unfolds through several clear steps.
1. Attend the Orientation
The first step is completing the Self-Determination orientation provided by the San Diego Regional Center. This orientation explains how the program works, participant responsibilities, and the steps involved in entering the program.
2. Express Interest to Your Service Coordinator
After completing the orientation, participants can notify their Service Coordinator that they are interested in entering the Self-Determination Program. This begins the transition process.
3. Develop a Person-Centered Plan
Participants work with their support team and/or an Independent Facilitator to develop a person-centered plan that reflects the individual’s strengths, interests, goals, and vision for their future.
This plan becomes the foundation for designing services and supports within the Self-Determination Program.
4. Establish the Individual Budget & Spending Plan
The Regional Center determines an individual budget, and the participant works with their support team and/or Independent Facilitator to create a spending plan that outlines how services and supports will be organized to help achieve their goals.
5. Begin the Self-Determination Program
Once the program structure is approved, participants begin receiving services through their Self-Determination program. Participants may continue working with their support team and/or an Independent Facilitator to adjust supports over time as their goals evolve.
The Five Principles of Self-Determination
The Self-Determination Program is guided by five core principles that emphasize choice, independence, and meaningful participation in community life.
Freedom
The freedom to plan a life that reflects personal goals, preferences, and aspirations.
Authority
The authority to make decisions about the services and supports that help shape one’s life.
Responsibility
The responsibility to make thoughtful decisions about services and how resources are used.
Support
The ability to choose trusted people—including family members, professionals, and community members—to help achieve personal goals.
Confirmation
The recognition that individuals with developmental disabilities are valued members of their communities whose voices matter.
Together, these principles help ensure that services are designed around the individual and that participants have a meaningful role in shaping the supports that help them live fulfilling lives.
Self-Determination Support Services
What Life Can Look Like in Self-Determination
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Self-Determination Program is the opportunity to design supports that reflect the individual’s goals, interests, and vision for their life.
Because services are built through person-centered planning, participants can often explore opportunities that feel more connected to their daily lives and personal aspirations.
For example, Self-Determination may support individuals in areas such as:
Personal Growth
Employment Exploration
Independent Living Skills
Hobbies & Interests
Community Connection
Meaningful Daily Routines
Every person’s journey in Self-Determination looks different. What matters most is that the services and supports are designed around the individual and the life they want to build.
For many participants and families, Self-Determination opens the door to supports that feel more personalized, flexible, and aligned with the individual’s goals.
Interested in learning whether Self-Determination might be a good fit?
We here to help guide individuals and families through the process with thoughtful planning and support.
Tanya Montoya IF 