Dear DDA Community,

One of the most rewarding responsibilities of my position is the honor of visiting service providers and participants. Recently, my team and I had the opportunity to visit Bello Machre in Glen Burnie, where we saw an extraordinary commitment to the quality care, dignity, and empowerment of the participants. The environment that this provider has cultivated reflects a profound respect for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s worth noting that Bello Machre was a recipient of a three-year American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant of $255,000, which they used to strengthen the delivery of their services through enhanced infrastructure, equipment upgrades, iCare Manager implementation, IT support, and ongoing quality assurance.

On a separate note, I wanted to update you on our efforts to showcase assistive technology through our “Let’s Talk Tech” series on our YouTube channel. We’re excited to celebrate our fourth year as a Technology First state on Monday, August 18, during our virtual Technology First event! We want everyone to have the opportunity to learn about and experience innovative technology right from the comfort of your communities and homes! 

Sincerely,

Marlana R. Hutchinson, Deputy Secretary

Developmental Disabilities Administration

Programs Update

2025 Technology First Event

Let’s Talk Tech! Low-Tech to High-Tech

On August 15, 2022, through official proclamation, Maryland became the eighth U.S. state to launch the Technology First State initiative, which aims to expand access to technology for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)  in order to improve the quality of their lives. The Developmental Disabilities Administration is excited to celebrate our annual designation of being a Technology First state! We invite you to virtually celebrate with us on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

During this year’s celebration, we will highlight ways to use low-to-high technology devices, from weighted utensils and 3-D printing to remote supports and much, much more! You will also be able to visit virtually with vendors of your choice.

When registering for the event, please choose one of the following breakout sessions to attend:

Let’s Talk Technology Breakout Rooms

• Employment - Maryland Department of Disabilities - Lori Berrong, Director of Maryland Assistive Technology Program: Technology solutions and resources for employment
• Remote Support - Jason Ray, CEO, Simply Home: Remote Supports as a technology solution to increase independence in the home and in the community 
• 3-D Printing Possibilities - Nora Walker, CRS A/D, Communications & Fabrication Coordinator: How 3-D printed items can be a low-tech solution 
• Enabling Technology - Kaley Hembree: How Shift training can lead to a better understanding of technology and technological solution outcomes

If you have any questions, please contact our Statewide Director of Innovations, Stephanie Jones, at Stephanie.Jones2@maryland.gov.

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week - Nomination Form

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are vital to the life experiences of many people with disabilities in Maryland.  The incredible dedication and contribution of DSPs has never been clearer than these past few years.  These essential employees are the heart and soul of the system of supports that are vital to ensuring that people with disabilities can live the lives of their choosing.  As dedicated workers on the front lines, DSPs are critical to making sure that people with disabilities participate fully in their communities. 

The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) and the Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) join others throughout the United States in marking September 7 -13, 2025, as DSP Recognition Week and plan to honor these outstanding Marylanders.  Help us by nominating an outstanding DSP for recognition.  If chosen, your nominee will be recognized during a DSP celebration. 

Nominate a Direct Support Professional in one of the following areas who provides an example of service that supports and encourages full community participation for those with disabilities in Maryland.  Please provide specific examples of how the nominee encourages and supports community participation. 

CATEGORIES:

1. Employment Support Professional-A DSP who goes above and beyond to support integrated community employment for those with disabilities
2. Community Living Professional– A DSP who goes above and beyond to support full community participation and membership for those with disabilities

NOMINATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, 9/12/25 @5PM.

For more information, alternative formats, or questions, please contact Kim McKay, Maryland Department of Disabilities at kimberly.mckay1@maryland.gov or by calling 410-767-3654.

Community Settings Rule Site Visits

The Community Settings Rule is a Federal regulation that was introduced on March 17, 2014 to ensure that people who are in services live and participate in settings that are integrated in and support full access to the greater community, and have the same access and choice as people who are not in services. 

This includes opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive and integrated settings, engage in community life, control personal resources, and receive services in the community to the same degree as individuals who do not receive services from a Medicaid waiver. To meet requirements:



• The setting must be integrated in and support full access to the greater community
• The setting must be selected by the individual from among setting options 
• Each individual has a right to privacy, to be treated with dignity and respect, and is free from bullying and restraints
• Each individual is supported in making life choices
• Each individual is given choice regarding services and who provides them



The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires the Maryland Department of Health to conduct site visits at least every 5 years to all licensed residential and day habilitation sites to ensure compliance. DDA staff and Liberty Healthcare staff will begin conducting these visits. They will be asking questions to determine if each site complies with the Community Settings Rule. 

Why is it important for each site to be compliant?

If any site for a provider is not in compliance with the Community Settings Rule, then the provider will need to remediate the noncompliant issues within 30 days of the initial visit.

You can find more information on the Community Settings Rule: https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/HCBS.aspx

If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Office Provider Services staff.

Resources

Coordination of Community Services: Community Settings Questionnaire Manual

Federal Programs Update

Medicaid Waiver Amendment Update

The DDA appreciates all stakeholder input, which was reviewed and considered before submission to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The DDA has posted the documents with tracked changes (yellow highlights note changes) and a comment summary document on the dedicated website.

Next steps:

• Center for Medicare and Medicaid review and questions
• Information and training for all stakeholders
• Amendment effective date: October 6, 2025

Reference: Community Pathways Waiver Amendment #3 2025​​

Upcoming Events

8/18 Technology First Event

8/19 Coordinator of Community Services Monthly Meeting

8/21 Waiver Advisory Council Meeting

8/28 Rate Review Advisory Group

DDA Vision

People with developmental disabilities will have full lives in the communities of their choice where they are included, participate, and are active citizens.

DDA Mission

Create a flexible, person-centered, family-oriented system of support so people can have full lives.

DDA Headquarters

201 W. Preston Street, 4th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone: (410)767-5600

Fax: (410)767-5850

Toll Free: 1(844)253-8694



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