Build Skills to Support Choice, Independence, and Person-Centered Services
Taft College’s Disability Services Noncredit Certificate Program prepares students to support people with disabilities who are served by California regional centers and participate in the Self-Determination Program. These short, online, noncredit certificates are designed for people who want to better understand person-centered planning, independent facilitation, and the services that help individuals and families make informed choices about their futures.
Beginning in Fall 2026, Taft College will offer online certificate options for students interested in becoming person-centered planners or independent facilitators who support individuals in California’s Self-Determination Program.
What Is This Program All About?
This program focuses on California’s Self-Determination Program, person-centered planning, and the role of independent facilitators. Students learn how to support individuals with disabilities as they identify goals, make choices, develop plans, and navigate services through the regional center system.
The courses are noncredit, online, and open entry/open exit, allowing students to begin and complete coursework at their own pace during the scheduled class time frame. Optional Zoom sessions will also be available to help online students stay supported and successfully complete their classes.
Students may complete one certificate or complete all three courses to earn both certificates.
Certificate of Completion: Self-Determination Program—Person-Centered Planning
This certificate prepares students to support individuals participating in the Self-Determination Program through person-centered planning.
Required courses:
DS 9250: Self Determination Program Orientation and Foundations
0 units | 16 hours | Online | Zero Textbook Cost
Open Entry/Open Exit: August 24, 2026 – September 18, 2026
DS 9260: Person-Centered Planning Foundations
0 units | 16 hours | Online | Zero Textbook Cost
Open Entry/Open Exit: September 21, 2026 – October 16, 2026
Certificate of Completion: Self-Determination Program—Independent Facilitator Level 1
This certificate prepares students to better understand the role of an independent facilitator in California’s Self-Determination Program.
Required courses:
DS 9250: Self Determination Program Orientation and Foundations
0 units | 16 hours | Online | Zero Textbook Cost
Open Entry/Open Exit: August 24, 2026 – September 18, 2026
DS 9280: Self Determination Program Independent Facilitator Level 1
0 units | 32 hours | Online | Zero Textbook Cost
Open Entry/Open Exit: October 19, 2026 – December 10, 2026
Students who successfully complete all three courses will earn two certificates of completion: one in Self-Determination Program Person-Centered Planning and one in Self-Determination Program Independent Facilitator Level 1.
Why Should I Pursue This Program?
This program is designed for students who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Through the Self-Determination Program, individuals served by regional centers have more choice and control over the services and supports they receive. Trained professionals who understand person-centered planning and independent facilitation can play an important role in helping participants move through that process with confidence.