Independent Facilitators are people who assist SDP-seeking individuals (or individuals already in SDP) with making informed decisions about their individual budget, locating and accessing services and supports, identifying immediate and long-term needs, developing options to meet an individual's needs, advocating for the individual in the Person-Centered Planning (PCP) and IPP processes, and obtaining services and supports for the individual.

Independent Facilitators are qualified individuals who have gone through training for the services and assistance they provide individuals. They are required to receive training in SDP, PCP, and other responsibilities related to servicing individual program plans. If an individual chooses not to use an Independent Facilitator, they may choose to use a regional center service coordinator to provide the services an Independent Facilitator would provide. 

You can learn more about Independent Facilitators on the DDS website at https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/independent-facilitators/