What is Self-Determination Brochure
What is Self-Determination Brochure – Spanish
2022 Funding letter for the advisory committee
Funding Letter for Advisory Committee to Support Implementation of the Self-Determination Program
Financial Management Services (FMS) Flyer
Self-Determination Program Meet & Greet – October 25, 2021 via Zoom Video

About the Committee
About the Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC): The committee’s role is to provide oversight of the Self-Determination Program. The committee shall review the development and ongoing progress of the Self-Determination Program, including whether the program advances the principles of Self-Determination and is operating consistent with the requirements of this section, and may make ongoing recommendations for improvement to the regional center and the department. They are to ensure the work is getting done, not to do the work. They are also tasked with facilitating the sharing of best practices and training materials.
Per statute, the Local Advisory Committee members must include consumers, family members, the regional center Clients’ Rights Advocate, as well as other advocates and community leaders. The local SDAC must also reflect the multicultural diversity and geographic profile of the catchment area.
Valley Mountain Regional Center appoints half the members and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities appoints the other half of the members. A member is appointed for up to two (3) year terms. The committee has voted to not have Bylaws for this committee.
Committee Members: Vivian David-Nicolas, Chair, Gricelda Estrada, Vice Chair, Lisa Culley, Secretary/FRN, Jeff Lazaro, Assistant-Secretary, Mary Bonacci (Self-Advocate), Karen Bonacci, Jeannet Cardenas, John Forrest, Arely Solano, Mariela Ramos, Colleen Yoder (OCRA), Jonathan Zahodne (Self-Advocate).
English Application for Self-Determination Advisory Committee
Spanish Application for Self-Determination Advisory Committee
All information and materials for these meetings will be posted 10 days before each meeting and posted on www.vmrc.net/self-determination-advisory-committee/ and www.scdd.ca.gov
Next Meeting (Every 3rd Thursday of the Month): The next Self-Determination Advisory Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 16th, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at the VMRC Stockton Office Video Conference Room 124 (702 North Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202) and via Zoom video conference. For the Zoom information, click here.
Agendas and Minutes
November 16, 2023
Minutes (English) (Spanish)
SDAC Workgroup Notes English and Spanish
October 19, 2023
September 21, 2023
August 17, 2023
Minutes (English) (Spanish)
December 15, 2022
Minutes (English) (Spanish)
Draft Bylaws Proposal (English) (Spanish)
The November Meeting was Cancelled Due to No Interpreters
November 17, 2022
October 20, 2022
Bylaws Survey (English) (Spanish)
Hand Over Hand Request for Proposals (English) (Spanish)
Special Events Committee Document 1
Special Events Committee Document 2
February 17, 2022
SDP Allocations
December Minutes (English) (Spanish)
January 20, 2022
Agenda: English
Agenda: Spanish
December 16, 2021
Agenda: English
Agenda: Spanish
Minutes: English
Minutes: Spanish
November 18, 2021
Agenda: English
Agenda: Spanish
Minutes: English
Minutes: Spanish
October 21, 2021
Agenda: English
Minutes: English
Agenda: Spanish
Minutes: Spanish
September 16, 2021
Agenda: English
Minutes: English
Agenda: Spanish
Minutes: Spanish
August 19, 2021
Agenda: English
Minutes: English
Agenda: Spanish
Minutes: Spanish
The VMRC Self-Determination Advisory Committee also has a Workgroup that is a subcommittee of the larger SDAC. For your information, the meetings are open to all.
SDAC Workgroup Meeting Schedule
State Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SSDAC)
Our VMRC local Self-Determination Advisory Committee appoints one member to serve on the Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee facilitated by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. This statewide committee advises and make recommendations on ways to increase the effectiveness of the Self‑Determination Program. Visit their website here:
More Resources (Archive Page):
- Special Notice from DDS clarifying how to pay for Person-Centered Planning Services…
- Orientation Presentation Plain Language (SCDD)
- Application to be a Committee Member (English Language) (Spanish Language)
- Self-Determination Newsletter by DDS
- Meeting Rules
- Independent Facilitator Policy – Completed
- Individual Budget Policy – Completed
- Financial Management Services (FMS) Policy – Completed
- Rates for the FMS
- Person-Centered Planning- DDS Directive
- Background Checks Policy – Completed