Self-Determination Program (SDP) Services

Your Path. Your Choice. Your Life.

At Up A Notch Abilities, we believe every person deserves the freedom to build a life that reflects who they are, their passions, their dreams, and their unique journey. That’s exactly why we’re proud to offer services through California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP).

What is the SDP?

The Self-Determination Program gives you and your circle of support more control to design services that truly fit your life. Rather than choosing from a set list of programs, you create a plan that reflects your goals, your schedule, and your vision of independence. This will give you the flexibility to choose your own providers, activities, and levels of support.

If you're new to SDP or want to learn how to enroll, the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) has helpful resources to get you started.

And don’t worry, if you need additional support, we’re here to guide you along the way.

Services We Offer Through SDP

At Up A Notch Abilities, we’re passionate about meeting people exactly where they are and helping them build forward. Through SDP, we offer a variety of personalized supports to help you thrive in daily life, work, and your community.

  • Caring for others can be both beautiful and exhausting. Our trained respite staff provide safe, supportive care for individuals while caregivers get the space to rest and recharge. We create enriching, fun experiences for participants while offering trusted support for families.

  • No two people want the exact same daily routine, and that’s the beauty of Tailored Day Services. We work one-on-one with participants to create personalized plans that reflect their interests, skills, and dreams. Whether it’s learning job skills, practicing independent living, exploring hobbies, or building social connections, TDSO puts the focus where it belongs: on you.

  • We support adults in building everyday skills that open doors to greater independence. This may include:

    • Cooking and meal prep

    • Budgeting and money management

    • Communication and self-advocacy

    • Transportation and mobility skills

    • Health and wellness routines

    • Technology and computer use

    Our team works alongside participants to build confidence, capability, and a sense of ownership over their daily lives.

  • Dreaming of starting a small business or passion project? We offer coaching, mentorship, and hands-on support to help turn creative ideas into income-generating microbusinesses. From business planning to marketing and managing sales, we guide you every step of the way to help you bring your vision to life.

  • We offer inclusive, small group workshops that build skills while nurturing community connection. These workshops may focus on:

    • Creative arts

    • Social skills & communication

    • Personal development

    • Community access & engagement

    • Collaborative projects

    Workshops are thoughtfully designed to be supportive, adaptive, and welcoming for people of all abilities.

    Please visit our Community Events page for more details about upcoming events and workshops.

  • Our Creative Studio offers 1:1 art mentorship for individuals who want to explore creative expression, develop their artistic voice, or even pursue art as a business. With support from skilled mentors, participants can:

    • Experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques

    • Build confidence through guided projects

    • Create personal portfolios

    • Participate in exhibitions and art markets

    You can learn more about our creative studio by visiting the creative studio page of our website.

Person-Centered Approach

We don’t just provide services. We build relationships with our clients rooted in trust, dignity, and respect.

Why Choose Up A Notch Abilities?

Customizable & Flexible

Every service we provide is tailored to your personal goals and preferences.

Experienced Team

Our compassionate staff brings both professional expertise and heartfelt commitment to every person we serve.

Community-Focused

We believe in full inclusion, real-world experiences, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection.

Let’s Build Your Plan Together

Starting your Self-Determination journey can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a free consultation with our team to explore your options and design a plan that reflects who you are.