4.1: DDS Directive on Revised Orientation
- Page ID
- 64393
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D-2026-Self Determination Program-002
TO: REGIONAL CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
SUBJECT: SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM: ORIENTATION UPDATE
This directive provides an update about the changes to the Self-Determination Program (SDP) orientation. This directive is issued pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) section 4685.8(p)(2), which authorizes the Department of Developmental Services (Department) to issue program directives or similar instructions for the SDP until regulations are adopted.
Background
WIC section 4685.8(d)(3)(A) requires individuals to receive an SDP orientation that meets the standards set or developed by the Department prior to enrollment in the SDP. The SDP orientation must include information on the principles of self-determination, the role of the independent facilitator and the financial management services vendor, person-centered planning, and the development of the individual budget. It is important for individuals to have the necessary information to make an informed decision about their participation in the SDP.
Individuals include:
• Adult receiving regional center services
• Parent or legal guardian of a minor
• Conservator or authorized representative of an adult receiving regional center services
SDP Orientation
Effective April 1, 2026, the SDP Orientation will consist of two required two-hour sessions. Part A must be completed before Part B, and both must be finished prior to accessing SDP transition supports and SDP enrollment. Individuals who completed the SDP orientation before April 1, 2026, or who are already enrolled in the SDP, are not required to retake it but may do so voluntarily. Implementation Effective April 1, 2026, the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is the only approved provider to offer the SDP orientation statewide. SDP orientations offered by other entities do not meet the requirement. The SDP orientation will be provided virtually and is available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Hmong, Farsi, Armenian, Arabic, and American Sign Language (ASL).
More information and the orientation registration calendar can be found at SCDD Orientation webpage: https://scdd.ca.gov/sdporientation/.
The SCDD will issue a “Certificate of Completion” following completion of each part of the orientation. If the individual chooses to continue with enrollment into the SDP, the individual must provide their two “Certificates of Completion” to their regional center service coordinator. Once the service coordinator receives the two certificates, the service coordinator will review the certificates and provide the individual with information about the next steps for SDP enrollment.
Information the service coordinator must provide includes, but is not limited to:
· A copy of the individual’s most recent Individual Program Plan.
· Information on SDP transition supports, found in the July 2024 SDP Initial Person-Centered Plan and Pre-Enrollment Transition Supports directive.
· Information on Financial Management Services (FMS) transition supports found in the December 2023 SDP FMS Transition Supports directive.
· The steps to start the individual budget process.
Reporting
Regional centers must continue to comply with June 2024 Updated SANDIS Reporting Requirements directive. Regional centers must verify that both Part A and Part B of the SDP orientation were completed by the individual and use the date on the Part B “Certificate of Completion” for reporting purposes. The Department will offer training and technical assistance to regional centers on the implementation of these changes.
Questions from regional centers should be directed to the Department’s Self-Determination Program Branch at sdp@dds.ca.gov.