Resources

Guides, FAQs, and Useful Links

Official California Self-Determination Program resources, foundational legislation, and direct links to every Regional Center in the state.

Official California Resources

SDP & Lanterman Act

Primary sources for the Self-Determination Program and the legal framework that governs California's developmental services system.

SDP Orientation

Mandatory orientation for anyone joining the Self-Determination Program. The page lists upcoming sessions, the orientation video, and the certificate of completion required by your Regional Center.

Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act

California Welfare & Institutions Code, Division 4.5 — the foundational law establishing rights to services and Regional Center system.

Self-Determination Program (SDP)

DDS overview of SDP — eligibility, orientation, individual budget, and spending plan.

DDS — SDP Frequently Asked Questions

Official answers to the most common SDP questions — eligibility, individual budgets, financial management services, spending plan rules, and the role of the Independent Facilitator.

DDS Regional Center Directives

Official DDS directives, guidance memos, and policy bulletins sent to Regional Centers. The source for how RCs are required to implement state policy.

Office of the SDP Ombudsperson

Independent state office that helps SDP participants resolve concerns and navigate the Regional Center system. Free, confidential assistance if you feel stuck.

Regional Centers

All 21 California Regional Centers

Direct links to each Regional Center's official website. Click your RC to visit their site for service coordinator contact, intake, and local resources.

Alta California Regional Center Central Valley Regional Center Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center Far Northern Regional Center Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center Golden Gate Regional Center Harbor Regional Center Inland Regional Center Kern Regional Center North Bay Regional Center North Los Angeles County Regional Center Redwood Coast Regional Center Regional Center of the East Bay Regional Center of Orange County San Andreas Regional Center San Diego Regional Center San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center South Central Los Angeles Regional Center Tri-Counties Regional Center Valley Mountain Regional Center Westside Regional Center