The Department of Developmental Services Issues New Directive for Self-Determination Program

On January 13, 2022, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) issued a directive to Regional Centers to provide further guidance on goods and services than can be purchased within the Self Determination Program (SDP) budget. In alignment with the key principles of the SDP, participants have the authority to control an individual budget to purchase needed services and supports to achieve their Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals. However, before including any good or service in an individual budget or SDP spending plan, the planning team must first be clear about how the good or service addresses an identified need or goal in the IPP. Detailed guidance about purchasing “goods and services” is provided in Enclosures A, B, and C. 

More information about the directive can be found here: https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/program-directives/