Independent Facilitator · Serving California Families
For California families with loved ones who have developmental disabilities, we make the Self-Determination Program something you can actually use — not just something you've heard about. We work with families remotely anywhere in California, with in-person meetings available in Orange County and parts of Southern California.
The Self-Determination Program
Traditional Regional Center services give you a list of approved vendors. SDP gives you an Individual Budget and lets you decide how to spend it on the supports your loved one actually needs.
Every Californian eligible for Regional Center services is also eligible for SDP. The flexibility is powerful — but the paperwork, planning, and decisions can feel like a second job. That's where we come in.
SDP Lets Your Family
What We Do
Understand the program, weigh the tradeoffs, complete enrollment paperwork through your Regional Center.
A planning process that puts your loved one's goals, strengths, and dreams at the center — not a checklist.
Build a Spending Plan that meets Regional Center requirements while reflecting what matters to your family.
Find, vet, and hire qualified providers — respite, behavior support, day programs, community-based supports.
Choose a Financial Management Service (FMS) and set up the back-office side of your plan correctly the first time.
Adjust your plan as life changes, troubleshoot Regional Center issues, keep your services working — year after year.
How It Works
A conversation — in person, by phone, or video — to understand your family's situation and answer your questions about SDP. No pressure, no cost.
When you're ready to move forward, we set up a service agreement paid through your Regional Center Individual Budget — typically at no out-of-pocket cost.
We facilitate person-centered planning, help you develop your Spending Plan, and submit everything to the Regional Center for approval.
We stay with you to launch services, manage the budget, and adjust the plan as your family's needs change. You're not navigating this alone.
About Above & Beyond
We're not a vendor selling services. We're independent — our only job is to help your family get the most out of the Self-Determination Program.
Minh Thi Do is the founder of Above & Beyond Facilitation, a parent-led Independent Facilitator practice supporting families navigating the California Regional Centers and the Self-Determination Program (SDP). With a Master's degree in School Counseling, certification as an Independent Facilitator, training in person-centered planning, and bilingual fluency in Vietnamese, Minh is committed to helping families feel informed and empowered as they advocate for their loved ones.
As the parent of a Regional Center client currently in SDP Year 3, Minh brings firsthand experience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges families face when accessing services and supports. Her journey advocating for her son taught her how to navigate Regional Center services, identify resources, and create individualized supports that reflect his unique needs and goals.
After successfully and independently transitioning her own family into the Self-Determination Program, Minh has had the privilege of helping other families navigate their own SDP journeys. She is confident that she can help your family as well. Through Above & Beyond Facilitation, Minh is dedicated to helping families access the supports and services they need to create meaningful, person-centered lives for their loved ones.
Empowering Choice. Self-Determination Support.
Get Started
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll answer your questions about SDP and help you decide if it's right for you.