(310) 863-7977
info@gophoenix.org
An Independent Facilitator is a unique, optional, service that is available only to Self-Determination Participants. This person can assist an individual with transitioning into Self-Determination, finding resources, connecting to generic services, negotiating rates, Person-Centered Planning (including to show continuing need for services in the 2nd year and beyond!), advocacy (including at meetings such as Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)), connection and facilitation of relationships with the required Financial Management Service (FMS) agency, finding staff, spending plan changes, and other tasks that a participant or their Circle of Support may need assistance with. Independent Facilitators often serve as a liaison between the Regional Center and the participant or family, and Phoenix Facilitation takes pride in helping mend relationships that have previously been fractured. Independent Facilitators allow a participant and family to be just that – a participant or family member, rather than someone who is managing a person’s services or life!
Independent Facilitators have the ability and time to spend 1:1 with a participant or family, which Service Coordinators typically do not, to explain the Lanterman Act, the Regional Center system, laws, policies, services available, and generic resources, which helps everything feel more transparent and can increase trust and understanding while decreasing frustration.
Phoenix Facilitation’s Independent Facilitation services are distinctive in that the staff and advocates on our team are qualified and willing to provide non-legal representation to participants and families in the Regional Center Fair Hearing process. Our extensive knowledge of the Lanterman Act and Self-Determination Waiver set us apart in our ability to provide educated opinions about services, rights, and next steps while maintaining professional, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with Regional Center team members and participants and families at all times.
Please note: Fair Hearing representation is not guaranteed and is based on if, in the professional opinion of Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC and its representatives, the case has legal merit and is likely to be successful. Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC makes no representations or warranties are about specific services, budget amounts, Fair Hearing outcomes, or any other part of the process. Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC cannot ensure how the Regional Center, generic agencies, and/or the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), among others, will respond to applications or requests for services.
Phoenix Facilitation’s Independent Facilitator services are available in English and Spanish, and rates will be discussed during a free one-hour consultation via Zoom, where we discuss your unique needs and see if we are a good match.
As a recovering Regional Center manager, the founder of Phoenix Facilitation, Naomi Hagel, has a unique perspective on the role of the Independent Facilitator. She has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of Self-Determination, the traditional Regional Center system, and Independent Facilitation. She has renowned and extensive knowledge of the Regional Center system, the Lanterman Act, and the Self-Determination Program Waiver. Naomi also understands the often-mysterious inner workings of the Regional Centers and has strong relationships with Centers throughout the state, as well as 17 years of management experience. Through this combination of qualities and skills, she is effective at mentoring and coaching less-experienced Independent Facilitators and assisting them to ensure the best outcomes for their clients.
Naomi offers paid Independent Facilitator consultation and coaching via email or Zoom/telephone throughout the state of California, as well as in-person in the Southern California area (travel costs may apply.)
For assistance with meeting the requirements of the new 099 directive or with specific cases, please contact us for a free one-hour consultation via Zoom, during which pricing will be discussed.
