Podcasts

June 27, 2025

Episode 19 – It Holds So Much Promise: An Evaluation of Participant Experiences in California’s Self-Determination Program

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In today’s episode, Holly interviews Dr. Christine Moody and Christine Tolbert.

Dr. Moody works at the UCLA Tarjan Center, where shehelps improve college and job opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities. She works closely with state programs like the California Community College Chancellor’s Office and California Department of Rehabilitation to make sure these systems better support these young adults. Dr.Moody led the data analysis on the 2023 Self-Determination Program Evaluation on behalf the UCLA Tarjan Center and evaluation partners.

Christine Tolbert is the Statewide Manager for the Self-Determination Program at the CaliforniaState Council on Developmental Disabilities. She leads training and orientation for the program across the state, working closely with the Department of Developmental Services.

Today we discussed what the California Self-Determination Program, participant feedback, and what is being done to improve the program.

Tarjan Center

In Other Words

The UCLA Tarjan Center’s podcast features Q&A-style discussions with speakers from our Distinguished Lecture Series. Hosted by Kecia Weller, Senior Disability Rights Advocate, and Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate, the podcast aims to make this content more accessible to our community. The lecture series is designed to expand awareness of emerging research and interventions, highlight disparities impacting underserved populations, and explore how public policies and practices influence the inclusion and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.