SDP Words, Made Simple

Authorized representative.

A person you choose to speak or act for you in certain matters, like your regional center services.

Background check.

A check of criminal records using fingerprints. In SDP, people who give direct personal care need one before they start work.

Also called: Live Scan

Bill Payer.

An FMS model where the FMS pays businesses and agencies for you. The business is the employer of its own staff.

Budget category.

One of the three groups in your spending plan: Living Arrangement, Employment & Community Participation, and Health & Safety.

Budget transfer.

Moving money from one service or budget category to another during the year. It needs approval from your regional center or IPP team.

CalABLE.

A savings account for people with disabilities. Money in it doesn't count against SSI or Medi-Cal limits.

Certified budget.

Your individual budget after the regional center has checked and approved it.

Circle of support.

The people you choose to help you plan and reach your goals, like family, friends and community members.

Co-Employer.

An FMS model where you and the FMS share the job of being an employer. The FMS is the employer of record.

Community Integration Supports.

An SDP service (code 331) that helps you take part in community life, like classes, clubs and volunteering, in community places.

Community Living Supports.

An SDP service (code 320) that helps with everyday living skills at home and in the community.

Conservator.

A person a court gives legal authority to make some decisions for someone else.

DDS.

The California Department of Developmental Services. It oversees regional centers and the Self-Determination Program.

Also called: Department of Developmental Services

Direct personal care.

Hands-on help with daily needs, like bathing, dressing or eating.

EVV.

Electronic Visit Verification: a phone app or system that records when an in-home visit starts and ends. It's required for some in-home services.

Also called: Electronic Visit Verification

Fair hearing.

A meeting with a judge to settle a disagreement with the regional center. It's part of your appeal rights.

FMS.

Financial Management Service: a company you choose that pays your providers from your budget, handles payroll, and sends you monthly statements.

Also called: Financial Management Service

Generic resources.

Services paid for by other programs, like Medi-Cal, IHSS, schools or the Department of Rehabilitation. You use these first.

HCBS.

Home and Community-Based Services: services that help you live in your community. Federal rules protect your choices, privacy and rights in these services.

Also called: Home and Community-Based Services

IHSS.

In-Home Supportive Services: a county program that pays for help at home, like cooking and personal care. It's a generic resource.

Also called: In-Home Supportive Services

Independent Facilitator.

A person you choose to help you plan, find services and manage SDP. Using an IF is optional.

Also called: IF

Individual budget.

The amount of money you can spend on services in one year in SDP.

Institutional deeming.

A Medi-Cal rule that can help some children with disabilities qualify for Medi-Cal without counting their family's income.

IPP.

Individual Program Plan: your written plan with the regional center. It lists your goals and the services that help you reach them.

Also called: Individual Program Plan

IPP team.

The people who make your IPP with you, including your service coordinator and anyone you invite.

Lanterman Act.

The California law that gives people with developmental disabilities the right to services and supports.

Live Scan.

Electronic fingerprinting used for background checks.

LVAC.

Local Volunteer Advisory Committee: a local group of SDP participants, families and advocates that advises the regional center about SDP. Meetings are open to the public.

Also called: Local Volunteer Advisory Committee

Medi-Cal.

California's Medicaid health program. It also helps pay for SDP through a federal waiver.

Natural supports.

Help from people in your life who aren't paid, like family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Notice of Action.

A letter from the regional center about a decision, like denying or changing a service. It explains how to appeal.

Also called: NOA

OCRA.

The Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy. It gives free help with your rights as a regional center client. RCOC's office: (714) 621-0563.

Also called: Clients' Rights Advocate

Ombudsperson.

The Office of the Developmental Services Ombudsperson gives neutral help with questions and problems about services, including SDP. Call 1-877-658-9731.

Orientation.

The required SDP class. Since April 2026 it has two parts, A and B, given online by SCDD.

Participant.

A person who uses the Self-Determination Program.

Participant Choice Specialist.

Regional center staff who focus on SDP and other self-directed options.

Participant-Directed Goods and Services.

An SDP service (code 333) for items or services that meet a need in your IPP and aren't covered another way.

Person-centered plan.

A plan about the life you want, made with people you choose. It helps shape your IPP.

Also called: PCP

Person-centered thinking.

A way of planning that balances what's important to you with what's important for your health and safety.

POS.

Purchase of Service: money the regional center spends to buy services for you in the traditional system.

Also called: Purchase of Service

Regional center.

A local nonprofit that coordinates services for people with developmental disabilities. In Orange County, it's the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC).

Respite.

A short break for family caregivers while someone else gives support.

SCDD.

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities. It gives the SDP orientation and helps with advocacy.

Also called: State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Service code.

A number that names a service in your spending plan, like 320 for Community Living Supports.

Service coordinator.

Your main contact at the regional center. They help with your IPP and services.

Sole Employer.

An FMS model where you are the employer of your workers. The FMS handles payroll and taxes.

Spending plan.

A list of the services you'll buy with your budget, how often, and how much each costs.

Supported Decision-Making.

Making your own decisions with help from people you trust. California law recognizes Supported Decision-Making agreements.

Also called: SDM

Traditional services.

The usual way of getting regional center services, where the regional center buys services from its vendors for you.

UCI number.

Your Unique Client Identifier: your ID number at the regional center. You need it to get your SDP orientation certificates.

Also called: Unique Client Identifier

Vendor.

A provider approved by a regional center to be paid for services. In SDP, many providers don't need to be vendors.

Waiver.

A federal Medicaid agreement that helps pay for SDP. California's SDP waiver was renewed starting July 2026.