Independent Facilitator Services in Southern California
Why You Want to Transition to the SDP
Regional Centers offer the Self-Determination Program (SDP) as an alternative to their Individual Program Plan to give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their circle of support more choice and control in choosing their own services and support that help them achieve their goals. With the SDP, you have greater control over your resources and can tailor them precisely to meet your needs, aspirations, and goals.
What is an Independent Facilitator?
The Role of an Independent Facilitator
EmpoweredU Independent Facilitators provides expert guidance and advocacy to help IDD individuals and their circle of support transition to the SDP, including creating a customized Person-Centered Plan (PCP). We are with you from start to finish.
Why Work with an Independent Facilitator?
Transitioning to the Self-Determination Program includes a lot of administrative details and can be challenging. An experienced Independent Facilitator (IF) simplifies the process, helps avoid delays, and keeps your voice at the center of planning.
About EmpoweredU Independent Facilitators
EmpoweredU Independent Facilitators was founded to guide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the complex and challenging admission process into the California Self-Determination Program (SDP).
Mariette Matekel
Founder and Owner
Mariette has 30 years of financial management, budgeting, business management, and bookkeeping experience for corporations and her own businesses. She holds a Series 7 License and has a Certified Independent Facilitator rating from the Guidelight Group. She founded EmpoweredU after years of helping her IDD brother receive targeted resources and support for his disability.
Steven Suffin
Senior Partner
Steven holds a BS degree in Business Administration from SDSU. Following graduation, he volunteered as a teacher’s assistant for four years, working with children of all ages, including neurodivergent individuals. Seeing how IDD people could grow and flourish with the proper services and support, Steven joined EmpoweredU to help these individuals transition to the SDP.
Josh Ward
Facilitator
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from CSUN. His business experience encompasses managing small crews and teams and working with small technology and environmental safety businesses. He comes to our organization driven by his experiences living with and helping high-functioning family members and working with school groups dedicated to helping special needs students.
What to Expect
At EmpoweredU, we take a compassionate, advocacy-based approach. Our facilitators work directly for you, providing additional flexibility and independence in choosing services and making decisions. When you work with us, you can expect:
- Guidance through every step of the SDP process
- Advocacy tailored to your unique needs
- A person-centered plan focused on achieving your goals
Who We Help?
Families & Individuals Seeking More Control Over Their Services
Every person eligible for Regional Center services has their own goals and needs, and many of them and their circle of support may want a greater say in what services they receive. EmpoweredU Independent Facilitators specialize in helping you gain the control you seek.
Self-Determination Program (SDP) Participants
Once enrolled in the SDP, individuals are responsible for regular updates and service adjustments. We prepare updates, handle service change requests, and ensure ongoing compliance with Regional Center requirements.
Anyone Needing Private Facilitation Support
Some of our clients come to us after attempting to navigate the transition to the SDP, provide updates, or request service changes themselves. The process can be overwhelming. We offer relief by managing the details, so you don’t have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Self-Determination Program (SDP) work?
The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is an alternative to receiving traditional Regional Center services that gives individuals with developmental disabilities (and their circle of support who help to manage their care) more choice and control over their services, support, and funding. In short, the SDP allows these individuals to exercise more control over their budget and further tailor services to meet their evolving needs.
How does SDP funding work?
An SDP budget is determined based on customization of the individual’s Person-Centered Plan (see below). Once approved by the Regional Center, the budget is managed with the assistance of a Financial Management Service provider.
What is a Person-Centered Plan (PCP)?
A PCP is a personalized approach to planning services and support for individuals with disabilities and a necessary step in transitioning to the SDP. It emphasizes the individual’s strengths, preferences, goals, and unique needs, putting them at the center of the decision-making process. EmpoweredU’s facilitators are experts at creating PCPs.
How do I get started with facilitation services?
Get In Touch With Us
