Self-Determination Program

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TERI offers a variety of classes and programs that can be purchased by individuals using self-directed funds from the San Diego Regional Center's Self-Determination program. Live your best life the way YOU want to with classes offered on TERI’s Campus of Life.

What's the difference between a traditional and self-determination program?

Regional Center traditional day programs are funded through the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The Center for the Arts is considered a traditional day program. Traditional day programs are provided by vendors who are contracted with the Regional Center, such as the Center for the Arts. These vendors, including the Center for the Arts, offer services at set rates (CBT/BM) established by DDS. Under traditional funding, service providers bill Regional Center for services provided. Regional Center pays the service provider directly.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗦𝗗𝗣) in California offers individuals with developmental disabilities more control over their services and supports. Here’s how the funding works: 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁: Each participant receives an individual budget based on their needs and goals outlined in their Individual Program Plan (IPP). This budget is determined by the Regional Center and can be used to purchase services and supports. Participants work with a financial management service (FMS) provider who helps manage the budget, pay for service, and ensure compliance with program rules. Unlike traditional programs, participants in the SDP can choose their service providers, including non-traditional providers (community businesses, services, etc.), as long as the services align with their IPP goals. Unlike traditional programs, Regional Center does not directly pay the service provider. The individual in the self-determination program pays the service provider using self-directed funds in conjunction with their chosen FMS. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴:The planning process is driven by the individual, focusing on their preferences and goals. This ensures that the services and supports are tailored to their unique needs. 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹: The SDP allows for greater flexibility in how funds are used, giving participants the ability to customize their services and supports to better meet individual needs. The Center for the Arts and CAL accept individuals into the programs using self-directed funds through SDP. The daily rate for each program is set between the agency and the individual requesting services. The agency is not held to traditional, DDS set rates. At this time, individuals using self-directed funds to purchase day program services must provide their own staff. The individual must also provide proof of general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance naming TERI as insured.

Individuals living in an 𝗜𝗖𝗙 are generally not eligible for 𝗦𝗗𝗣 unless there is a plan for them to move out of the facility and into the community within 90 days. The restriction on individuals living in 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (ICFs) accessing the 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (SDP) is primarily due to the program’s focus on promoting community-based living and independence. Here are a few reasons why this restriction exists: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The SDP aims to support individuals in living more independently within their communities. By focusing on those who are transitioning out of institutional settings like ICFs, the program encourages greater community integration and personal autonomy. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The program’s resources are designed to support individuals who are already living in or moving towards community-based settings. This ensures that the funds are used to enhance the quality of life for those who are striving for more independent living arrangements. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: The SDP is structured to provide flexibility and control over services and supports, which aligns better with community-based living. Individuals in ICFs typically have their needs met through the facility’s services, which may not require the same level of individualized planning and budgeting offered by the SDP.