How to Get Your SDRC Budget to Pay for Business Coaching: A Guide to Supported Self-Employment in the Self-Determination Program
If you or your loved one is part of the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) ecosystem, you've likely heard about the Self-Determination Program (SDP). But did you know you can use your SDP budget to start a business?
It's called Supported Self-Employment, and it's one of the most powerful, life-changing services available. Yet, it's often misunderstood. We're here to demystify the process.
This post answers the number one question we hear: "How to get SDRC to pay for business coaching?"
Step 1: Understand "What is Supported Self-Employment?"
First, let's define it. Supported Self-Employment is a service you can purchase with your SDP budget that provides the necessary supports for an individual to successfully start and run their own business. This goes beyond traditional Autism Employment Services or Individualized Supported Employment, which focus on finding a job working for someone else.
This is about becoming the boss. It’s the ultimate vocational program for autistic young adults seeking real independence.
Step 2: The "IPP Goal for Self-Employment"
Everything in the SDRC world starts with the IPP (Individualized Program Plan). Your service coordinator cannot approve funding for a service if it's not tied to a goal.
You must work with your team to add "Self-Employment" or "Entrepreneurship Training" as a formal IPP goal.
Good Goal: "John will launch his own graphic design business to achieve financial independence."
Bad Goal: "John wants to work with computers."
This goal is your key. It's the long-term plan for an autistic adult that the SDRC is designed to support.
**Step 3: Finding the Right Self-Determination Program Provider
Once you have the IPP goal, you can choose a provider for the service. That's us.
CaliMinds Launchpad is a Self-Determination Program provider in San Diego (sometimes called a 'Self-Determination Vendor San Diego'). We are qualified to provide Autism Entrepreneur Support and Vocational Support for Self-Determination.
When you choose us as your SDP provider, you get:
One-on-One Neurodiverse Mentorship
Business Coaching for Autistic Adults
Autism Job Skills Training focused on entrepreneurship
Practical, hands-on Content Creation Coaching
Digital Skills Training for Neurodiverse Adults, including AI for Small Business and Website Design & SEO Services.
Step 4: The FMS and Getting Started
Your FMS (Financial Management Service) Service Provider for Business will handle the billing. You simply authorize CaliMinds Launchpad as your chosen provider, and your FMS pays us for the service using your SDP budget.
Whether you're in Poway or La Jolla, our Neurodiverse Entrepreneurship Program is available to you. This is how you build a life of purpose, security, and independence.
