Great question! While both options provide support through your Regional Center, there are some key differences in how services are chosen and managed.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Traditional Services (Standard Regional Center Option):

  • Providers are assigned from a pre-approved (vendored) list

  • The Regional Center leads your planning meetings and makes most service decisions

  • You follow a set list of services and guidelines

  • The budget is managed by the Regional Center

  • You have less flexibility to create custom supports

Self-Determination Program (SDP):

  • You choose your providers — including people not vendored with the Regional Center

  • You create a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) based on your life goals

  • Services are more flexible and tailored to what you truly want

  • You control how your budget is used (with the help of an FMS)

  • You and your team make the decisions — not the Regional Center