Elevating Families, Advocating for Disabled People

Ascend IF navigates you through California’s Self Determination Program (SDP), helping you meet your service needs and achieve your independent goals.

Get in touch

What we do

We partner with:

What does Ascend IF do?

We are your Advocate

As Independent Facilitators (IF), we bridge the process from being a Regional Center client to a Self Determination client. We help you help yourself and your loved ones. Together, we identify your unique service needs, create an actionable budget plan that works for you, and we onboard you to a Financial Management Service (FMS).

ASCEND

How we help

We are here to answer any questions you may have

What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.
What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.
What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.
What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.

What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.
What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.
What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.
What is SDP?
The Self Determination Program (SDP) is a voluntary program that was created in California enabling developmentally disabled individuals who receive state funds and services the freedom and control to decide what services they receive, and which vendors they hire. SDP allows you the freedom to reach your personal goals.
What is FMS?
The Financial Management Service supports SDP participants by paying for the services they choose. Pairing with the right Financial Management Service (FMS) is critical so that your SDP runs seamlessly without financial disruptions.
What is PCP?
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING (PCP) ensures you have a dedicated partner to help you apply for your SDP program. A creative problem solver helps you create a unique spending plan. A committed ally connects you with an FMS and a fierce advocate reviews and secure your yearly personal plan.

Rated 4.9/5

"Finally, someone who understands what families like ours go through."

Our Services

How are we different

1:1 Expert Navigator

Provider & Services Search

Expert Insight

Individual Budget & Spending Plan

SDP Enrollment & Management

Annual SDP Renewal

Pricing

Services are 100% funded by your Regional Center

Free

You’ll never receive a bill. Our services are 100% funded through your child’s eligibility with your Regional Center so you can focus on getting the right support, not the cost.

$0

Review your previous budget and service needs

Create a unique and individual spending plan

Integrate your unique goals and objectives into your budget

Connect you to a FMS and seamlessly guide your onboarding process

Apply for SDP without the administrative burden

Request Consultation

How it works

Your Pathway to Help

Together we transition your loved one into SDP, create your independent and unique budget, and start the onboarding process with a Financial Management System (FMS).

selective photo of a girl holding bubbles

Tell us about your child

Start by sharing your child’s personal story, strengths, and challenges. The more we understand, the better we can support you with insights and guidance.

Discover More

Tell us about your child

Start by sharing your child’s personal story, strengths, and challenges. The more we understand, the better we can support you with insights and guidance.

Discover More

Get personalized help

Receive tailored advice from experts who specialize in educational planning, behavioral support, and developmental needs. We meet you where you are and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Discover More

Get personalized help

Receive tailored advice from experts who specialize in educational planning, behavioral support, and developmental needs. We meet you where you are and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Discover More

a man sitting on a couch next to a little girl

We bridge the SDP process

From paperwork to placement, we simplify the complicated process. Our team helps you navigate school systems, evaluations, and services ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Discover More

We bridge the SDP process

From paperwork to placement, we simplify the complicated process. Our team helps you navigate school systems, evaluations, and services ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Discover More

Yearly Review and Support

As your child grows, their needs evolve. We offer ongoing reviews and support to help you adapt plans, track progress, and advocate effectively year after year.

Discover More

Yearly Review and Support

As your child grows, their needs evolve. We offer ongoing reviews and support to help you adapt plans, track progress, and advocate effectively year after year.

Discover More

a family sitting on a couch in front of a christmas tree

Get in touch

Impact

We’re here to Advocate

ASD

Autism Spectrum

ASD

Autism Spectrum

ASD

Autism Spectrum

Physical Disabilites

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Disability

Learning Disability

Who we are

Why is Ascend IF the right Independent Facilitator

shallow focus photography of woman outdoor during day

Meet Denise Terenzio

Denise holds a BS in Kinesiology with honors in child development. She has decades of professional experience championing underserved communities nationwide. Her work has given voice to the voiceless achieving national recognition and actionable results. Denise sits on the board of Stellify, a non profit organization that helps adult autistic individuals find community and skill training. Her mission is to listen to your needs, connect, expand, advocate and inspire you into a self determined life.

Rated 4.9/5

"This service changed everything. We felt seen and supported."

FAQ

Answers to your most common questions

What exactly do you help with?

My child hasn’t been diagnosed with anything. Can I still get help?

How do I know if my child needs this kind of support?

What’s included in the personalized consultancy?

Do you attend school meetings or advocate for families?

How long does the process take?

Do you work with children of all ages?

Is this a one-time service or ongoing?

What exactly do you help with?

My child hasn’t been diagnosed with anything. Can I still get help?

How do I know if my child needs this kind of support?

What’s included in the personalized consultancy?

Do you attend school meetings or advocate for families?

How long does the process take?

Do you work with children of all ages?

Is this a one-time service or ongoing?

No commitment.

Just compassionate help tailored to your child.

Why us

We are your Advocate

We are here to answer any questions you may have

"Finally, someone who understands what families like ours go through."

How are we different

Services are 100% funded by your Regional Center

Free

$0

Your Pathway to Help

Tell us about your child

Tell us about your child

Get personalized help

Get personalized help

We bridge the SDP process

We bridge the SDP process

Yearly Review and Support

Yearly Review and Support

We’re here to Advocate

Why is Ascend IF the right Independent Facilitator

Meet Denise Terenzio

"This service changed everything. We felt seen and supported."

Answers to your most common questions

Find the Right Support Today