The government helps people with disabilities by paying for certain types of supports and some kinds of services. Have you ever lived in a grouphome, or attended a day program or had someone help you find a job? All of those services are usually paid for by the government. It’s the government’s way of trying to help you get what you need. For example, your Regional Center Service Coordinator is paid by the state (through the Regional Center) to help you.

The government system is very large. As a result, there is not always a good "match" for the kinds of supports you need and what agencies or others in your community can offer you. Sometimes, you get a service that is "kind of" what you need, but not exactly what you want. Because the government system is so large, it doesn’t always know about the important or specific things YOU need.

Individualized Funding is based on your needs. It varies from person to person because each person’s situation and life goals are different.

Individualized funding is one way to take the government’s money and let YOU decide what YOU need, and how YOU want to spend this money for services and supports YOU need because of your disability. THAT’S why it’s called "individualized," because it’s our way of helping YOU!

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This San Diego - Imperial Counties Self-Determination Project is sponsored by the
San Diego Regional Center and Area Board XIII

Information Hotline: (858) 503-4409