Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed expanding the availability of self-directed services to all California regional centers within three years.  Estimates are that up to 9,000 Californian's  with developmental disabilities and families will choose this voluntary program in the next five years.  The expansion of self-direction will mark a profound change in the nature of supporting people with developmental disabilities in California, giving people greater control over their lives.  

California's federal waiver application is based on the experience of five California Self-Determination pilot projects, authorized in 1998 by Senate Bill 1038 (Thompson).  Extensive information on the pilots can be found at http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/SDPP/SD_Main.cfm.  The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has been advised on waiver development by prominent experts in self-determination and federal funding and by waiver advisory committees including leadership from the pilots and involved regional centers and area boards.  The current draft will receive comment at the January 31st Steering Committee meeting convened by DDS.  The Department will incorporate comments and distribute a revised version for broad stakeholder review.  The waiver application will be submitted to CMS in April 2005.

The design of the waiver will have a major  impact on people's lives.  Therefore, CAIC contracted with perhaps the most prominent advocate for self-determination in the United States, Mr. Thomas Nerney, Director of the Center on Self-Determination.  Mr. Nerney was asked to review California's draft application and make recommendations for changes that may strengthen the waiver's ability to restore the basic freedoms of individuals with disabilities to live meaningful lives in their home communities.

The Nerney Report has been submitted to DDS for their consideration.  CAIC is reviewing Mr. Nerney's recommendations and welcomes comments, so that we may make our own recommendations to DDS.  The CAIC Board will take a position at a special Board meeting on January 27, 2005.