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¿Qué es el Programa de Autodeterminación?
The Self-Determination Program allows for individuals receiving services and/or their families to have the freedom to control and select the programs and services that support the goals in their IPP (Individual Program Plan.) Tri-Counties Regional Center has been a pilot regional center for over twenty years; there are currently 14 individuals in the original Self-Determination Program at TCRC.
“As part of the original pilot program for Self-Determination, my daughter and our family have been able to access services, equipment, and opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach for her,” states Louise MacKenzie. “These self-determined options have allowed her to live a full life in our community, a life with friends and family and activities that matter to her. Self-Determination begins with person centered planning and is a way to organize and plan your life for maximum enjoyment, meaning, and fulfillment.”
In 2013, Senate Bill 468 established the Self-Determination Program to be implemented statewide. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) then submitted the required application to the Centers of Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) and responded to the follow-up questions of CMS by December 2014. The application was re-submitted to CMS on March 6, 2018. When the application is approved, 114 people will be selected to participate in the Self Determination Program at TCRC for the first three years. After that, anyone served by the regional center who is interested in the program will be able to enroll.
Self-Determination Information meetings about the application process are taking place in early April, 2018, in all TCRC office locations. Additional meetings will be held this year. If after attending an information meeting, you are interested in enrolling in the Self-Determination Program, notify the regional center. It’s important to learn about the increased responsibilities involved with Self- Determination. Enrolling does not guarantee that a person will be selected as part of the group of 2500 to be initially included in the program.
DDS will randomly select the 2500 participants, ensuring representation according to: regional center, ethnicity, age, gender, and disability diagnosis. If you are not selected for this first group, your name will remain on the interest list with DDS in the event someone decides they do not want to participate.
Cheryl Wenderoth, Assistant Director of Federal Programs at TCRC comments, “Self-Determination is an excellent fit for some individuals and their families. It’s important to talk over the increased responsibilities with your circle of support, your family, your service coordinator, and others to make sure that Self-Determination is the right choice for you. I’m looking forward to hearing the success stories of the 114 people from TCRC who will be selected by DDS to participate in the next phase of this program.”
Click here for Self-Determination Program