Independent Facilitators
Before seeking an independent facilitator, you may want to consider asking your Regional Center service coordinator to take on this role. This option can help preserve more of your individual budget for other services, though service coordinators are unable to negotiate for lower service-provider rates and may be restricted to recommending only those providers officially endorsed by the Regional Center.
If you choose independent facilitation, there are several options to consider. To help narrow down your choices, you may want to ask questions like:
-
What experience do you have with the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and individuals with disabilities?
-
How familiar are you with my specific medical conditions?
-
What is your highest level of education?
-
Do you have established relationships with service providers?
-
After my individual budget and spending plans are set, how frequently will you contact me or my support network?
-
Will you remain my independent facilitator, or could I be reassigned to another facilitator within your organization?
Although there are currently no formal credentialing or licensing requirements for independent facilitators in California, they are required to undergo training in self-determination principles, person-centered planning, and the key responsibilities of the role.
