I am a mom of four passionate about the Self-Determination Program (SDP). My adult son has been a Regional Center consumer since he was just a few weeks old. He was born with a brain malformation, has autism, and an intellectual disability. He was chosen for the three-year phase-in period of the Self-Determination Program in 2018.

I have navigated the Regional Center, budgets, and spending plans primarily by myself. The shutdown during the pandemic allowed me to attend many classes and webinars on everything related to Self-Determination, Person-Centered Planning, generic resources, and Independent Facilitation.

Every individual with a disability should be able to live life to the fullest by accessing Regional Center services and generic resources. The Self-Determination Program provides participants and their families, within an individual budget, increased flexibility and choice, and greater control over decisions, resources, and needed and desired services and supports to implement their Individual Program Plan.

I am a member of the NLACRC Self-Determination Local Advisory Committee. I have a medical background, but I have decided to use my knowledge of the Self-Determination Program to help other participants and their families participate in this empowering program. The future is now!