Self Determination Resources
The ELARC Self-Determination Orientation Guide
The ELARC Self-Determination Orientation Guide was created through a collaboration of the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center Self-Determination Local Volunteer Advisory Committee, regional center staff, and Helen Sanderson Associates. The content was adapted from materials from the Department of Developmental Services and Tri-Counties Regional Center. The Person-Centered Planning module includes resources from the Learning Community for Person Centered Practices and Charting the Life Course from University of Missouri, Kansas City. A heartfelt thanks to all contributors!
Follow the links below to see the complete guide in different languages or divided in different topics:
- ELARC Self-Determination Guide (All Modules)
- Module 1: Introduction (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Module 2: Roles & Responsibilities (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Module 3: Person-Centered (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Module 4: My Individual Budget (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Module 5: My Services & Spending Plan (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Module 6: Financial Management Services (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Module 7: Staying Safe in Your Community (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
- Module 8: My Next Steps (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)
Follow the images below to see the complete Guide in different languages:
Meet and Greet Event: Unifying Community Around Self-Determination
The Eastern Los Angeles Family Resource Center would like to invite you to attend their Meet and Greet Event in person on Friday, December 8th, 2023 from 9:30am to 11:00am at 1000 S. Fremont Ave. Alhambra, CA. 91801 in the Courtyard Area. Coffee and morning treats will be served.
View their flyer in English or Spanish for more details.
Follow this link to REGISTER.
Developing the Individual Budget
In alignment with the key principles of the Self-Determination Program (SDP), participants have the authority to control a certain amount of money to purchase needed services and supports. This amount of money is called an individual budget. View the Department of Developmental Services's (DDS) directive on the Individual Budget.
View this Directive in:
Independent Facilitator
Participants in SDP may choose someone who helps them implement their program. That person is called an Independent Facilitator (IF). Independent facilitators, as defined in Welfare & Institutions (W&I) Code §4685.8(c)(2) are people who are selected and directed by the participant and who are able to provide assistance in the following ways:
- Assisting the individual with making informed decisions regarding their individual budget
- Locating, accessing and coordinating services and supports consistent with the participant’s Individual Program Plan (IPP)
- Identifying immediate and long-term needs and developing options to meet those needs
- Leading, participating, and/or advocating on behalf of participants in the person-centered planning process and development of the IPP
- Obtaining identified services and supports
View DDS's full Directive on Independent Facilitators.
View this Directive in:
Additional Independent Facilitator Resources:
View the Autism Society of Los Angeles Facilitation Trainings:
The Autism Society of Los Angeles under contract with ELARC is conducting Independent Facilitation trainings for our Spanish and Cantonese speaking community. Visit this link and complete an Application to participate in their training.
Current Training Sessions Wednesdays from 6:00PM - 8:30PM:
- February 28th,2024
- March 6th,2024
- March 13th, 2024
Must attend all three dates to receive your certification!
View their flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese (coming up)
Questions? 424-299-1531 or ASLAIFTraining@autismla.us
View our Meet & Greet Presentations from June 28th, 2021:
These presentations have information on those Independent Facilitators (IF's) and Person-Centered Planners (PCP's) that joined us. Please contact them directly if you wish to interview them:
View the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) list of IF's:
The (SCDD) also has a list of those who have gone through the training. Additional IF's and PCP's can be found here:
*Please note that the individuals/agencies on these PowerPoints and lists are not names that are endorsed by Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center. They are placed here for informational purposes only.*
Standardized Vendorization Packet for Pre-Enrollment Supports
The Department of Developmental Services (Department) approved a standardized vendorization packet for Self-Directed Supports (Service Code 099).
Regional centers shall require only the documents provided in the enclosed packet for all potential vendors interested in providing Self-Directed Supports. Any deviation from the use of this packet requires advance approval from the Department. The packet includes the following documents:
A. Vendor Packet Checklist
B. General Self-Directed Supports Qualifications and Agreement Form
C. Financial Management Services Self-Directed Supports Qualifications and Agreement Form
D. DS1890 Vendor Application with sample form and FAQs
E. DS1891 Applicant/Vendor Disclosure Statement with sample form
F. Conflict of Interest Form with FAQs
G. Business Associate Agreement/HIPAA Form with FAQs
H. Home and Community-Based Services Provider Agreement Form with sample form
I. W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
For more details, view the full correspondence to the Regional Centers.
Financial Management Services
A Financial Management Services, or FMS, provider plays a key role in supporting people who choose to get their regional center services through the SDP. Everyone in SDP must use an FMS provider to help:
- Manage the individual budget and pay for services, including paying employees
- Assist with hiring employees
- Make sure providers are qualified to deliver services
- Help providers get a criminal background check, if needed.
View DDS's Directive on the FMS.
View the Directive in: