UKIAH, Calif. – The State Council on Developmental Disabilities would like to announce that Redwood Coast Regional Center is hosting its next self determination information meeting at 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, at 1116 Airport Blvd. in Ukiah.

Individuals who receive Regional Center services and want to be included in the Department of Developmental Services Self-Determination Program must attend an information session in order to participate.

During the first three years of the Self-Determination Program, enrollment is limited to 2,500 people and only those individuals who have participated in an informational meeting and whose names have been received by the Department by Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. will be considered for selection.

The principles of self-determination include:

– Freedom to exercise the same rights as all citizens; to establish, with freely chosen supports, family and friends, where they want to live, with whom they want to live, how their time will be occupied, and who supports them;

– Authority to control a budget in order to purchase services and supports of their choosing;
Support, including the ability to arrange resources and personnel, which will allow flexibility to live in the community of their choice;

– Responsibility, which includes the opportunity to take responsibility for making decisions in their own lives and accept a valued role in their community; and

– Confirmation, in making decisions in their own lives by designing and operating the service that they rely on.

It is through this "Self-Determination Program" that all individuals are able to access what everyone deserves – "a good life."