SB 468 Self-Determination Gabriel Rogin Executive Director, Area Board 5 State Council on Developmental Disabilities gabriel.rogin@scdd.ca.gov

What is SCDD? Independent State agency Established by: Federal & State law Composed of: State Council 31 Governor-appointed members 13 Area Boards (Regional Offices) Located throughout California Councils on Developmental Disabilities are established in each state through the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. This Act also creates state Protection and Advocacy Systems, Centers for Excellence, and Projects of National Significance. Each entity has a federally assigned responsibility designed to improve services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and enhance independence, productivity and inclusion. The State Council is uniquely composed of individuals with a developmental disability, parents and family members of people with developmental disabilities, and representatives of State agencies that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The council consist of 29 members appointed by the Governor, with individual and family consumers representing a minimum of 60 percent of the membership. The council also has 13 Area Boards located throughout the State to assist the council in carrying out its mission and ensure that local needs are identified and met.

Our Goals Independence Productivity Integration Inclusion To have control of your life; make your own decisions and choices Productivity To work or make other contributions to a household or community Integration Right to the same opportunities, services, community resources as all other Americans Inclusion To fully participate, be welcome in social, educational, work and community life There are principles which direct all of the activities of the Council. It is the first filter through which all work of the Council must flow. There are four primary principles in the DD Act.

What is Self-Determination “Self-Determination” means a voluntary delivery system consisting of a defined and comprehensive mix of services and supports, selected and directed by a participant through person-centered planning, in order to meet the objectives in his or her IPP. Self-Determination services and supports are designed to assist the participant to achieve personally defined outcomes in community settings that promote inclusion.

Background Increased choice, flexibility and control Increased access for underserved communities Reduced bureaucracy/Increased transparency 29 other states have SD in place California pilots demonstrated increased: satisfaction innovation cost-effectiveness

Implementation Contingent upon federal waiver Phased in over 3 years (2500 participants statewide, including existing pilots) Nearly all individuals with IPP through regional centers can eventually participate Voluntary – Enter/Exit at almost any time

Individual Budgets Remains within IPP process Previous 12 months of POS expenditures I.D. Team can make changes to budget, if necessary Uniform budget categories New or generic services, hiring workers, etc. Only services eligible for Federal Financial Participation

Proposed Services Advocacy Services Live-In Caregiver Behavioral Intervention Services Nutritional Consultation Communication Support Optometric/Optician Services Community Integration and Employment Supports Participant-directed Goods and Services Personal Emergency Response System Community Living Supports Psychology Services Crisis Intervention and Support Respite Dental Services Skilled Nursing Environmental Accessibility Adaptations Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies Family Assistance and Supports Financial Management Service Specialized Therapeutic Services Home Health Aide Speech, Hearing and Language Services Homemaker Technology Housing Access Supports Training and Counseling Services for Unpaid Caregivers Independent Facilitator Individual Training and Education Transition/Set-Up Expenses Integrative Therapies Transportation Lenses and Frames Vehicle Modifications and Adaptations

Independent Facilitators Selected and paid for by participant Can’t provide other services Assist in IPP development, including the identification of service providers Regional center case manager is an option

Financial Management Service Vendored by regional centers – paid for by individual budget (except background checks) Manage/direct funds Ensure that funds are not overspent Accounting/taxes/employment laws Verify service provider qualifications Monthly budget updates

Oversight Background checks required for non-vendors Oversight locally and statewide (State Council, Disability Rights California and community) DDS reports to legislature

Local Advisory Committees One for each Regional Center Monitors the SD Program Makes recommendations Area Board and RC each appoints half Some advisory committees are already set but there are a few in LA that have been decided on yet. If you are interested, you can contact the Area Board for more information.

Five Questions to Ask Yourself 1. Do you have a complicated set of services? Do you get lots of different types of services? Do you want to control how they all work together?

Five Questions to Ask Yourself 2. Have you had a lot of denials, conflicts with RC or fair hearings? Does the RC say “no” to your requests? Do you disagree with them about what is best for you?

Five Questions to Ask Yourself 3. Have you lost services due to budget cuts and changes to the Lanterman Act? Have you lost services you once had in the last few years?

Five Questions to Ask Yourself 4. Do you need or want unique services not typically offered by Regional Centers? Maybe you’ve always wanted to take a cooking class, join a model train club, or do ballroom dancing. RC can’t pay for these but SD can!

Five Questions to Ask Yourself 5. Do you want to start a business, get good work training or get a good paying job? Under SD, you could set aside money to help you start a business or get job training.

Are you READY to take on the RESPONSIBILITY?? And Finally… Are you READY to take on the RESPONSIBILITY?? ??? It is very important to remember that you are using tax payer money and you have to use it responsibly. You must also remember that if something goes wrong, you are responsible to resolve it.

What to do now Think strategically Dear Regional Center, I need X,Y and Z services. Yours Sincerely, Think strategically Ask for all of the services you need now Go to fair hearing when denied Learn and share what you know

Common Questions Can I move money around in my budget? Only 10% from one category to another. What happens if I move to a different regional center? You can stay in Self-Determination.

Common Questions, cont’d What if I want to leave the Self-Determination Program or I become ineligible for some reason? You can go back to traditional services. If I leave Self-Determination by choice can I return? Yes but you must wait 12 months.

Common Questions, cont’d What if I disagree with regional center about my eligibility or the amount of money in my budget? You can appeal the decision.

Additional Questions What orientation/training for will be available for participants? How will regional center caseload size impact service planning and delivery? Will Self-Determination increase access for underserved communities?

Resources Disability Rights California: www.disabilityrightsca.org The Center for Self-Determination: www.centerforself-determination.com Senate Bill 468: www.leginfo.ca.gov The Autism Society of Los Angeles: www.autismla.org