This is your life.
Your voice.
Your team.
Your future.
“Self-Determination gives you the freedom to plan your own life, the authority to control your budget, the support of people you trust, the responsibility to make decisions, and the confirmation that nothing is decided about you without you.”

“What Is Self-Determination?”

Self-determination means that you decide what matters most, you have the freedom to choose, you take the lead in your life, and you have the support you need.
It’s about being heard, being respected, and being in control. The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is available to all eligible Regional Center families.

What are the benefits of SDP?

Under the Self-Determination Program, Learning Comet provides highly customized services and supports tailored to your child’s unique needs. SDP expands your choices and increases your control by allowing you to decide how your budget is used and which providers—vendored or non-vendored—are the best fit for achieving your desired outcomes.

The process: Steps to Get Started

Step 1: Complete the Regional Center’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) Orientation.
Step 2: Obtain your official SDP Certification.
Step 3: Request your 12-month expenditure report and draft an individual budget.
Step 4: Develop your Person-Centered Plan (your goals, hopes, and vision).
Step 5: Request the Regional Center’s list of Independent Facilitators (IFs).
Step 6: Identify any unmet or new needs to be addressed in your plan.
Step 7: Your Service Coordinator schedules the initial budget meeting to review those needs.
Step 8: The budget is finalized and certified once all parties agree.

“Ready to Start Your Journey?”

Call us at 619-535-0348
Email: info@learningcomet.com

What is an Independent Facilitator (IF)?

An Independent Facilitator (IF) helps you implement your Self-Determination Program by supporting the development of your plan, guiding you through budget management, and assisting with the groundwork needed for a successful transition. Independent Facilitators are required to complete IF training, and their services are funded through your SDP spending plan.

What is FMS?

As part of the Self-Determination Program, you are required to select a Financial Management Service (FMS) provider vendored with the Regional Center to manage your spending plan. The FMS issues monthly spending reports, processes payments for your services and employees, and verifies the background and qualifications of your chosen providers.

What is a Spending Plan?

The spending plan managed by your FMS outlines the service codes and service definitions connected to the goals in your IPP. You may request two to five revisions each year to update your IPP and adjust your services as needs change. To finalize your spending plan, you will participate in an in-person annual IPP meeting with your IPP and SDP team.

What do we offer?

Colorful Puzzle Pieces and a Text Saying "Embrace Differences"

Self-Determination Program (SDP)

We are now accepting SDP funding!

Our certified Independent Facilitator will support you in navigating and obtaining SDP funding, ensuring a smooth and confident transition into the program. Together, we collaborate with your family to assess your priorities and build a customized plan that fully supports your IPP goals.

“Empowering Your Self-Determination.”

This is your life.Your voice.Your team.Your future.“Self-Determination gives you the freedom to plan your own life, the authority to control your budget, the support of people you trust, the responsibility to make decisions, and the confirmation that nothing is decided about you without you.”