Making the move into SDP is an exciting step toward greater choice, control, and customization in services for individuals with developmental disabilities. But with change comes complexity — and navigating this shift requires knowledge, planning, and support.

This is where transition support becomes critical: it ensures that participants move from traditional systems to Self-Determination with confidence, continuity, and clarity.

Core Principles

Understanding the Philosophy

Moving from system-driven to person-driven planning means reframing how services are selected and funded.

IPP Alignment

A smooth transition ensures goals in the Individual Program Plan (IPP) translate seamlessly into the Self-Determination model.

Transition planning includes identifying services that may not be available through traditional vendors and finding community-based alternatives.

Identifying Service Gaps

FMS Selection

Choosing the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical — participants must understand the options (bill payer, co-employer, employer model)

How Independent Facilitators of SoCal Support Transitions

Independent Facilitators are not just planners — they’re transition navigators. They provide the structure and strategic insight families need to move into SDP without disruptions or confusion.

Orientation Follow-Up:

Ensuring participants understand their rights, responsibilities, and next steps after orientation

IPP-to-PCP Bridge Building

Facilitators review current IPPs and begin crafting person-centered plans that evolve those goals into SDP frameworks

Readiness Assessments

Helping families determine if SDP is a good fit and identifying any pre-enrollment needs.

Spending Plan Strategy

Supporting the first Spending Plan with attention to compliance, creativity, and sustainability

FMS Matching

Helping participants evaluate FMS models and providers based on support needs and administrative capacity.

Our facilitators act as liaisons, smoothing out communication with service coordinators and administrative teams

Regional Center Collaboration