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Understanding your Self-Direction Options

March 30, 2026

Did you know there are 3 ways regional center services can be delivered to you?

• Traditional service delivery
• Participant directed services (PDS)
• Self Determination Program (SDP)

All 3 service delivery types…

• Are part of the regional center system
• Use your Individual Program Plan (IPP) to guide services provided to you
• Are designed to help you reach your goals

So what are the differences?

Self‑Determination Program: You choose and manage your own service providers. This gives you more choice, but also more responsibility to make sure providers follow the laws.

Traditional service delivery: You choose service providers who are vendored with the regional center. This gives you less responsibility because the regional center (instead of you) makes sure providers follow the laws.

Participant directed services: Part of traditional service delivery, and is only for some services.* For these services, you can choose and manage your own service providers, similar to the Self-Determination Program.

*Participant directed services are only 1) Community-based training service, 2) Daycare, 3) Nursing,
4) Respite, 5) Transportation services, 6) Personal assistance, 7) Independent living services, and 8)
Supported employment

	Traditional Service Delivery	Participant Directed Services (PDS)	Self Determination Program (SDP)
Who controls the funds?	–You and regional center agree on services to address your IPP outcomes	–You and regional center agree on services to address your IPP outcomes	–You and the regional center agree on services to address your IPP outcomes. You get a yearly budget based on these agreed upon services –You decide how to use the budget to address your IPP outcomes
Who can you hire?	–You choose providers who are vendored with regional center –Meet regional center licensing and safety rules –Regional center monitors for compliance	–You choose your providers –They do NOT have to be regional center vendors –You, or a Financial Management Service (FMS) agency on your behalf, must check licenses and qualifications	–You choose your providers –They do NOT have to be regional center vendors –A Financial Management Service (FMS) agency checks licenses and qualifications for employees and providers
Who pays the provider?	–Regional center pays providers directly	–You hire a Financial Management Service (FMS) to pay providers	–You hire a Financial Management Service (FMS) agency to pay providers
How do you participate?	–No action needed	–Ask your CSC if any services you receive are eligible (not all services are eligible)	–You must complete steps which start with attending a mandatory orientation