About Zero Surico
Independent Facilitator
Zero Surico is a certified Independent Facilitator who supports families and participants through their transition into the Self-Determination Program. Through advocating and supporting during meetings with the regional center, creating the Person-Centered Plan, identifying services and potential providers, negotiating the Individual Budget with the regional center, collaborating on a Spending Plan, identifying the right FMS, and more; having a competent and reliable Independent Facilitator is key to a stress-free and positive SDP transition experience. Zero supports prospective SDP participants through the entire SDP transition experience and beyond, with the ability to provide ongoing support through the annual renewal process.
Zero is currently vendored to provide IF Services for participants at Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, Regional Center of the East Bay, Central Valley Regional Center, South Central Los Angeles Regional Center, North Los Angeles County Regional Center, Regional Center of Orange County, and Alta California Regional Center.
What Is SDP?
The California Self-Determination Program (SDP) empowers participants to make their own decisions about their lives, choose their own supports and services, and manage their resources as they see fit.
Through SDP, you have freedom, authority, support, responsibility, and confirmation surrounding your decisions and accomplishments. Learn More about SDP by clicking here
During the SDP process, an Independent Facilitator (IF) guides you and ensures you understand all options available to you. An IF assists to make sure all your choices are implemented effectively, and advocates for you through each step of the SDP process.
IF services are provided with no out-of-pocket cost to the participant*, as the Person-Centered Plan and Transitional Supports are funded by the Regional Center, and ongoing IF services are funded through the participant's Spending Plan in SDP.
*In the event a participant over-spends their budget, the participant or their family may choose to pay out-of-pocket to maintain IF services.
Wondering where to start? The first step towards living your self-determined life is to Attend SDP Orientation: scdd.ca.gov/sdp-orientation
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Certified Independent Facilitator
- ABA-accredited Paralegal Certificate
- Notary Public Commission
- Crisis Counseling Training
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Training in the principles of self-determination, person-centered planning, and the responsibilities of being an Independent Facilitator
Professional:
- 12 years of experience caring for special-needs children
- 5 years of experience as an IHSS Provider
- Teacher for after-school STEM-based program for K-12 aged children
- Legal experience working with various clients, including disabled veterans at the UCLA Veterans Legal Clinic (as a Paralegal)
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Independent Facilitator vendored with multiple Regional Centers including ACRC, RCEB, FDLRC, CVRC, RCOC, SCLARC, and NLACRC
(Alta California Regional Center, Regional Center of the East Bay, Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, Central Valley Regional Center, Regional Center of Orange County, South Central Los Angeles Regional Center, and North Los Angeles County Regional Center) - Past IF work with Ownself Facilitation
Personal:
- Family members who are Regional Center clients and who are in the Self-Determination Program
- Extensive experience working with both children and adults who have special needs
- From a family of neurodivergent individuals, with personal experience going through the IPP, IEP, and SDP transition process
- I am a person living with disabilities, I live with chronic illness and I am neurodivergent
- Experience in mediation, NOAs, and appeals with the Regional Center
- Experience handling correspondence with Medi-Cal and other insurance agencies
- Determined and dedicated to serve all people regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, or abilities
Ready to Get Started? Send A message Here!
