Self-Determination News

Participant Spotlight – Meghan’s Recipe for Independence and Inclusion Through Self-Direction

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and SequoiaSD is proud to spotlight Meghan Perkins—a vibrant, hardworking, and inspiring young woman whose journey through self-direction has transformed her life and her community. Meghan is…

Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring Identity, Love, and Self-Direction

At SequoiaSD, we’re proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month. Pride is about more than parades and rainbow flags. It's a time to honor the courage, strength, and authenticity of people living…

Self-Determination Stories | Ryan’s Journey to Independence

Note - Ryan Klotz is an enrolled participant with SequoiaSD's sister company, Personal Accounting Services (PAS), out of Taylor, Michigan. PAS and SequoiaSD operate under the AssuranceSD family of companies. Ryan Klotz is a self-advocate…

Independent Living Centers and their Role in Self-Determination

What Are Independent Living Centers (ILCs)? Independent Living Centers are community-based organizations run by and for people with disabilities. ILCs support independent living in and around one’s community. According to the Administration for Community Living…

World Autism Acceptance Month: SequoiaSD Celebrates Month of Inclusion and Awareness

April is World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM). This month SequoiaSD promotes understanding, inclusion, and support for people with autism. We also encourage acceptance of different abilities and perspectives. History of WAAM WAAM started in 2007…

Firefighter putting hands up for fire fighting

Disability Disaster Assistance – How to Access Support After Southern California Wildfires

SequoiaSD wants to provide you with resources to support you. This year, wildfires in Southern California have caused severe damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help support those with disabilities who were affected…

A young man with disability using laptop in a library and wearing headphones

Self-Determination Resources | Getting Started with Participant Dashboard

What is Participant Dashboard and How Do I get Set-up? SequoiaSD Participants, who have a valid email address, have access to Participant Dashboard. Participant Dashboard allows users access to view their budget information on demand…

Aging woman in wheelchair next to her Caregiver

Direct Care Professional Resources from National Family Caregivers Month

Helpful Resources from National Family Caregivers Month Caregiver Action Network Recognizing and Supporting Caregivers from Caregiver Action Network President Joe Biden’s Presidential Proclamation for National Family Caregiver’s Month About National Family Caregivers Month In November,…

adult woman in a wheelchair using her laptop

Self Determination Resources | Getting Around Participant Dashboard

Participant Dashboard is available through FMS One. Participants and approved representatives can view their budget and spending plan information on demand. Learn more about getting started with Participant Dashboard, please read: Self-Determination Resources | Getting…

illustration design concept of World alzheimer's day observed on every september 21.

SequoiaSD Celebrates World Alzheimer’s Day

On September 21, we will be celebrating World Alzheimer's Day, in culmination of World Alzheimer's Month (WAM) in September. SequoiaSD wants to provide you with tips on recognizing Alzheimer’s and where you can find more…

Bearded man in a wheelchair with eyeglasses and headset talking and gesturing during video conference on a laptop.

Free Self-Advocate Training Program From Disability Voices United

A self-advocate training program from Disability Voices United can support you in sharing your story. The program is free and accessible through virtual meetings. Through this program, self-advocates will learn how to best convey their…

Man in wheelchair entering a modified van with a support worker by his side.

Respite Care Training for New Providers from the ACL

Entry-level respite providers have a new training option from the ARCH National Respite Network and ACL (Administration for Community Living). The National Respite Care Provider Training program follows a country-wide initiative to enhance respite services…

A man in a wheelchair casts his votes at a polling place.

DVRW Supports Your Voice Being Heard

Last week was Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW). DVRW was celebrated from September 9-13 and was promoted by the American Association of People with Disabilities. In partnership with the REV Up campaign, DVRW advocated for…

Group Of Smiling Senior Friends Walking Arm In Arm Along Shoreline Of Winter Beach

SequoiaSD Celebrates Older Americans Month in May

May is right around the corner and SequoiaSD is looking forward to celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). OAM is organized each year by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). During the month, the ACL shares…

Isaac (left) and Linda Mendoza (right) smiling for a photo

Linda and Isaac’s Journey to Independence with SequoiaSD

In Orange County, California, Linda and her 27-year-old son, Isaac, are achieving independence through their journey with SequoiaSD. A Personalized Journey with Self-Determination: Isaac, who lives with a metabolic condition, had his life transformed when…

Focused African American female student with afro dreadlocks, studying remotely from home, using a laptop, taking notes on notepad during online lesson, e-learning concept, smiling

California DDS Announces DSP Training Stipend Program

The Department of Developmental Services has announced a training stipend program. The program allows DSPs to earn up to two $625 stipends for training completion. Direct Support Professionals and certain supervisors and clinical staff can…

Sick elderly man checking his temperature suffering from seasonal flu or cold and using tablet for entertainment or online doctor consultation. Ill senior feel unhealthy with influenza at home

CDC Respiratory Disease Update and How to Protect Yourself

The CDC released its respiratory disease season update earlier this month. It provides updates on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV activity across the country compared to this time last year. The CDC notes that respiratory disease…

Department of Developmental Services Issues Guidance on Remote Services

The Department of Developmental Services has new guidance for remote services in the Self-Determination Program (SDP). What are Remote Services? According to the Department of Developmental Services, remote services are delivered by telephone or video…

Mature couple talking to their female nurse in the living room

Department of Developmental Services Updates Guidance on Goods and Services

The Department of Developmental Services updated its guidelines on the use of goods and services in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) to determine cost and service designations in an SDP budget. The SDP is an individual…

Mature hispanic woman getting vaccine showing arm with band aid cheerful with a smile on face pointing with hand and finger up to the side with happy and natural expression

CDC Reminders for COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines

As cold and flu-season gears up, the CDC has issued reminders to receive your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. COVID-19 It is recommended by the CDC to receive an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine for anyone five and…

caregiver and senior woman riding wheelchair

AARP Releases 2023 LTSS State Scorecard

AARP recently released its 2023 Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard. The Scorecard helps create interest and investment in LTSS by effectively measuring each state’s supports and services. It also identifies areas of improvement…

disabled black man showing mobile screen to friend

The Value of Using Web Entry for Timesheets

Web Entry is an online way track your hours daily instead of filling out a paper timesheet that then needs to be sent to LKiChoice. Web Entry takes away the need for a paper timesheet…

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