Navigating the Self-Determination Program with an Independent Facilitator
Download my FREE mini course, Break the Procrastination Cycle, and start living life with intention.
Learn the toolkit that's helped hundreds of neurodivergent adults manage life with clarity and confidence.
Hi Friend,
Since its inception in 2013, California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) opened up new doors for countless individuals with disabilities, offering them greater autonomy as they manage their support and services.
As exciting as those new opportunities are, the process of working through SDP can feel daunting, to say the very least. Between budgeting, service coordination, and managing individual program plans (IPPs), participants in SDP may feel as though they are, at best, treading through murky waters as they attempt to find answers and secure services.
That’s where an Independent Facilitator comes in. This person plays a pivotal role in SDP and can be an invaluable resource as you begin the process. Whether you’re advocating for yourself or a caregiver looking for information on the Self-Determination Program for a loved one with autism or any other disability, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive into how an Independent Facilitator can help you make the most of SDP in California, and how UpSkill Specialists can help even more.
What is the Self-Determination Program (SDP)?
The Self-Determination Program offers individuals with disabilities more control, flexibility, and choice when deciding how to use their services and supports. First signed into law with SB 468 in 2013, SDP is now available to all eligible individuals receiving services from a regional center as of 2021.
In short, SDP allows participants to choose their care by giving them access to funding they can manage directly. The program provides the freedom to select who delivers your services and how these services are tailored to your specific needs. This is a significant departure from traditional service models.
The Self-Determination Program is complex, but there are a few key tenets at its core.
For one, you now can craft a unique support system based on your personal preferences along with the option to hire non-traditional service providers, like an executive function coach. You also have the ability to redirect funds to more meaningful resources, rather than having to fit everything into a standardized, cookie-cutter template of care.
With an emphasis on promoting long-term independence, the SDP is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism or other disabilities who are looking for greater autonomy.
An essential element of the program is the Individual Program Plan (IPP), a document that outlines the participant’s goals and the resources needed to achieve them. You may also work with a financial management service (FMS) which assists with disbursing funds and making sure your budget is on track.
As you can imagine, there’s a lot of flexibility and freedom granted in this program, but there are also still stringent state guidelines that need to be met and adhered to. This can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, particularly for someone navigating the program for the first time. That’s where independent facilitators come into play.
The Importance of Independent Facilitators in the SDP Process
Independent facilitators (IF) should be thought of as a support system. They are equal parts advocate and guide and are your go-to for helping you understand every part of the SDP process while making sure your goals are front and center.
What Does an Independent Facilitator Do?
An IF helps SDP participants craft their IPP, develop a workable budget, and identify the proper services and providers. They act as an advocate who works on your behalf, making sure the funds and services align with your personal needs.
Beyond administrative support, IFs also take on a collaborative role. They coordinate with service providers, maintain ongoing communication with families, and provide an additional layer of oversight to make sure the participant’s goals and needs are being met effectively.
Independent Facilitators in the SDP Process: Why They Matter
While the SDP offers enormous flexibility, that flexibility can make the program challenging to understand and manage. IFs simplify the process, breaking down complex systems into more actionable steps. From submitting budgets to sourcing service providers, they ensure no detail is overlooked.
An IF is a lifesaver for families balancing the logistical challenges of service management with the already tough emotional demands of caregiving.
If you’re hoping to develop an even deeper understanding of what an independent facilitator is and what they offer, UpSkill Specialists features a comprehensive directory of experienced IFs who are ready to guide you through your SDP process.
What Should You Look For in an Effective Independent Facilitator?
When you hire an independent facilitator, you aren’t just hiring one person for one job. You’re hiring one person for multiple roles:
advocate
project manager
financial coordinator
plus more
A highly skilled IF will work closely with you, addressing day-to-day concerns while ensuring big-picture goals stay in focus. They become the backbone of your success, connecting service providers and streamlining processes.
Because of this, you need to be extra thorough in your search to guarantee you find the ideal candidate. Here are a few tips on what to look for:
Excellent Collaboration Skills
This should be the primary trait you look for. A good independent facilitator will need to collaborate with you, family members, service providers, and others involved in care to make sure your plan is tailored to your unique and specific needs.
Budgeting Expertise
While you don’t necessarily need to look for someone with an accounting degree, hiring an independent facilitator with budgeting expertise is wise, as is looking for a person who is well-versed in the SDP framework.
That way, this person will be able to help you organize and allocate funds wisely to get the greatest benefit from your budget.
Reliable Communication
Look for an independent facilitator who engages in regular, proactive follow-ups. You need somebody who is able to keep everyone on the same page about progress and any adjustments that might be needed.
Knowledge of the Lanterman Act
An independent facilitator must have a deep knowledge of the Lanterman Act because it ensures they can effectively advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them access the rights, services, and supports they are legally entitled to. Understanding the law allows facilitators to navigate the regional center system, empower clients to make informed decisions, and challenge barriers that may prevent them from receiving appropriate care and resources.
How Self-Determination Funding Can Be Used to Improve Key Skills
The self-determination program provides participants control over how their funding is used to achieve their goals. These funds can be applied to an array of services designed to improve life and key skills.
One standout area within SDP programming is executive function coaching, something offered by UpSkill Specialists. This type of coaching focuses on practical, everyday skills that many neurodivergent people, like autism, ADHD, and anxiety, need additional support to master.
Some key skills that you can strengthen with SDP funding and the help of executive function coaching include:
Budgeting & Financial Literacy: Learn how to manage money responsibly, track expenses, and create a budget that works for your lifestyle. For SDP participants, these skills build long-term independence.
Time Management: Effective time management strategies help participants organize their daily responsibilities, minimize burnout, and maximize productivity.
Meal Planning & Life Essentials: Know what groceries to buy, how to create healthy meal plans, and improve self-sufficiency as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Transition to Adulthood: From keeping rooms tidy to finding jobs, practical life coaching moves neurodivergent adults toward confidence and independence.
How UpSkill Specialists Supports Self-Determination Participants
At UpSkill Specialists, we work closely with independent facilitators to help self-determination participants grow and succeed. Our expertise lies in executive function coaching, which helps provide you with the confidence, skills, and autonomy necessary to live a more independent life.
By working closely with independent facilitators, we make sure plans and budgets incorporate services like ours in a way that maximizes their impact. This results in streamlined workflows for everyone involved and meaningful progress for SDP program participants.
Benefits of UpSkill Specialists’ Executive Function Coaching
Executive function coaching isn’t a mandatory part of the self-determination program, but including it as part of your IPP is a wise choice.
An executive function coach, particularly one who deeply understands your individual daily challenges and has the skills to help you rise above them, will show you the skills you need to succeed. You’ll work closely with a coach to create a personalized “toolkit” with all the strategies, techniques, and tools you need to improve and maintain your executive function skills.
Whether it’s time management, decision-making, emotional regulation, or task initiation you struggle with, an EF coach like UpSkill Specialists can help.
Choose the Path to Independent Living With UpSkill Specialists
The self-determination program is all about giving participants the freedom to design their own lives; lives rich in opportunity, growth, and autonomy.
But to achieve this, you need the right team behind you. Independent facilitators provide the roadmap, and executive function coaches, like our team at UpSkills Specialists, help you transform that journey into life-changing results.
If you’re ready to take the next step, browse our Independent Facilitator directory or explore our executive function coaching package, designed specifically for SDP participants.
The life you envision starts with the right support, and we’re here to help you find it.
In service,
Eric
P.S. Free Mini Course: Break the Procrastination Cycle
Procrastination can seriously impact your mental health, physical well-being, and financial freedom.
My free mini-course, Break the Procrastination Cycle, teaches the 4 emotions behind procrastination, how to spot them, and a proven toolkit to manage them—all in just 30 minutes
If you, or someone you care about, struggle with procrastination, this course is here to help.
About the Author
Eric Kaufmann is a Professional Educational Therapist and Certified Executive Function Coach. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an online adult executive function coaching company that guides adults in overcoming disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks so they can unlock their potential. He is also the founder of Elevate Learning Solutions, an Educational Therapy practice located in San Clemente, CA, that supports neurodivergent students in becoming independent and confident.