Supporting Choice to Build Better Lives
We equip families, facilitators and communities with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make self-determination possible. Together, we create more choice, confidence and independence for people with I/DD.
New to California’s Self-Determination Program? Our free guide shows you how to get started.
Building support around the person, not the system
Traditional services often start with what services are available. Self-determination starts with a different question: What does this person want their life to look like?
Traditional Services
Services are pre-arranged by the Regional Center
Simple process, less administrative burden
Access to established services providers
Requires more planning and responsibility
Self-Determination
You choose your services and providers
Flexible use of budget for your needs
Greater control over your life and schedule
Highly personalized support and use of independent facilitator to partner and support you and your families needs
California's Self-Determination Program gives people with I/DD and their families more flexibility in deciding how services are provided, who provides them and how their individual budget is used.
But more choice can also mean more decisions to navigate.
Independent Facilitators support individuals and families as they understand their options, navigate the process and build services and supports around the person's goals.
Help Turn Choice into Action: Become an Independent Facilitator
Practical training for real-world facilitation
Our Independent Facilitation & Person-Centered Planning Certification Program combines practical training with guidance from experienced professionals who understand both the system and the people it serves.
What to expect:
Learn at your own pace with asynchronous learning modules
Practical, real-world training — build skills you can apply in real situations
SDP’s most efficient 8-week course to certification
Person-centered planning (PCP) training, budget & resource navigation, service coordination, and relentless advocacy insight
New to California's Self-Determination Program? Start with the basics.
Our free Family Guide to California's Self-Determination Program gives parents and caregivers a clear, practical roadmap through the process.
You'll learn:
What the program is and who can join
How to enroll step by step
How budgets and spending plans work
How to choose an FMS provider
What an Independent Facilitator does
Where to go for help
“As a full-time parent, I don’t have the time or energy to go attend a course, so the self-paced learning feature works perfectly for me.”
— Former client
“I’ve wanted to take an IF course for so long, but I’ve just never had the time. I was referred to TideSpeak’s program and I knew this was for me. I could take it at my own pace and it was super inexpensive compared to other programs out there.
— Former client
I can’t believe how great and simple this program was. I felt like all the learning modules were easy to understand and follow along. I don’t think there’s another program out there like it.
— Former client