September 18, 2020
In accordance with Welfare and Institutions (W&I) Code section 4685.8(g), funds have been allocated to regional centers to support implementation of the Self-Determination Program (SDP) for fiscal year 2020/2021. The purpose of this letter is to provide guidance on the use of these funds, including the required collaboration with local volunteer advisory committees (LVAC) in determining local priorities for the funding.
W&I Code section 4685.8(g) specifies these funds shall be used to maximize the ability of SDP participants to direct their own lives. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS), in consultation with stakeholders, identified priority areas for the funding including:
- Recruitment and training of independent facilitators;
- Joint training for participants, families, regional centers, LVAC members and others;
- Support or coaching in making the transition to SDP;
- Assistance with spending plan development;
- Orientation support which could include costs for speakers/presenters, and development of modification of materials; and,
- Collaborative groups/workshops to foster ongoing, shared learning and problem- solving opportunities.
The LVACs play an important role in the implementation and oversight of the SDP. Therefore, regional centers and LVACs must work collaboratively to prioritize the use of the available funds to meet the needs of participants in their local area. Funds may only be expended after agreement is reached on the local needs. See Enclosure 1 for more information about the potential uses of the funds, the amount available in each regional center area for fiscal year 2020/2021, and suggested steps to determine the use of the funds.
If you have any questions regarding this correspondence, please contact [email protected].
Sincerely,
Original signed by:
MARICRIS ACON
Deputy Director
Federal Programs Division
This DDS directive may be available in other languages. Here is a link to the DDS website.