Self-Directed
Services:
New Options in California
The
Self Determination Project at San Diego Regional Center began in April 2000.
It started as a pilot project, one of five in the state of California. Since
that time, the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has worked
closely with each of the pilots, to see how self-determination worked. Each
of the pilots had a different frame reference, and there was a lot to learn.
The pilot is a success, and DDS plans to expand this type of service throughout
California.
DDS is in the process of submitting an Independence Plus Waiver to the Center on Medicare and Medicaid, (CMS) a federal government program. Once the Waiver is reviewed, modified as needed, and approved, self directed services will be available to additional consumers throughout the state.
Currently, DDS hopes that regional centers will be able to enroll consumers in self directed services in 2007. First, there will be a series of community trainings provided to the regional centers. The, the regional centers will provide training to consumers, families and the community. After that is completed, consumers who are interested will be able to indicate their desire to participate in the new waiver program. This is an exciting time and we are looking forward to this new program.
The program is based on five principles:
- Freedom to plan a life tailoring the purchase of resources and services to the individual's needs
- Support from formal and informal, resources and personnel that assist an individual reside within the community.
- Responsibility to accept a valued role in the community and be accountable for spending of public funds that are life-enhancing.
- Confirmation to recognize the importance of the Self-Advocate leadership in Self Directed Services (SDS) program.
The program features the following:
- Individual Budget Methodology
- New services and service categories
- Use of support brokers and financial managaement services
The program will be to following individuals:
- Regional center consumers over the age of three
- Those who agree to live within the budget amounts
- Those who would like to arrange services in new ways
For more information on the Self Directed Services Program, go to:
- http://www.dds.ca.gov/SDPP/SD_Main.cfm
- http://www.dds.ca.gov/SDPP/Overview.cfm
- http://www.dds.ca.gov/SDPP/AboutSDS.cfm
San Diego - Imperial
Counties
Self-Determination Project
Self-Determination is an exciting and growing concept and right for individuals with developmental disabilities. Self-Determination recognizes that each individual needs to have control over the various aspects of their lives: what services they receive, who provides their supports, where they live, what activities they are involved in and the direction/control of the funding they receive. Self-Determination is built upon nine principles: choice, contribution, responsibility, fiscal responsibility, relationships, control, dignity and respect, and whatever it takes.
The San Diego Regional Center and the Area Board XIII are pleased to sponsor the “My Life…My Way” Self-Determination Project. This Project, one of five currently being run in California, explores how best to implement Self-Determination in the purchase of service for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Thirty individuals and their families were randomly selected to participate in the project. To help put the project into action, it uses independent Services Brokers to assist participants find resources in the community, develop Self-Determination plans and to carry out their plans. Upon the request of participants and their families, the project also uses Fiscal Intermediaries to handle the financial aspects of putting their plans into action--to pay for services or to make purchases for items in their Self-Determination plan.
The San Diego Regional Center and Area Board
XIII have held two conferences focusing on various aspects of Self-Determination
and Person Centered Planning. Also, the San Diego Regional Center has produced
four videos on Self-Determination and the successful inclusion into the community
for adults and for children. From this website you can access to conference
handouts and clips from the videos.
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
