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The DDA Connection
December 23, 2025
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Dear DDA Community,
Over the past several months, it has been an honor to connect with so many of you across Maryland as the DDA team traveled the state for regional listening sessions in each of our four regions—Central (Columbia), Southern (Largo), Eastern (Easton), and Western (Hagerstown). These engagements created invaluable opportunities to hear directly from individuals with lived experience, families, and providers about your wins, challenges, ideas, and priorities. I am deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to participate, both in person and virtually.
Listening, Learning, and Moving Forward—Together
The listening sessions marked the beginning of an ongoing, two-way dialogue with our community. The final session of this first phase, held on November 19th, was conducted entirely in Spanish to increase accessibility and ensure broader participation. DDA continues to translate key documents related to the October 2025 waiver amendment into Spanish, with additional translated materials forthcoming.
Building on what we heard, DDA launched a second phase of engagement this month focused on more interactive, theme-based conversations. To accommodate as many participants as possible, these sessions continued in a hybrid format. On December 8th in Easton and December 10th in Frederick, we hosted two “Collaborative Conversations,” where DDA leadership addressed your concerns and answered questions directly. We also heard clearly that daytime meetings can be a barrier for participation, so both sessions were held in the evening to better meet community needs.
| | In addition to these engagement opportunities, I had the privilege of attending several events this fall that highlighted the incredible work happening across Maryland to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Maryland Works hosted its 16th Annual Awards Luncheon, celebrating success stories in competitive integrated employment while acknowledging the work that remains. I was also honored to serve as the closing speaker at the Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) Conference plenary session in Cambridge, where I spoke about partnership, transparency, and our shared commitment to building a more person-centered, community-driven system of support. | |
A National Lens
Early in November, I had the opportunity to represent Maryland at the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) Conference in Phoenix. NASDDDS brings together developmental disabilities agencies from across the country to promote visionary leadership, systems innovation, and effective national policy.
I was honored to serve on two national panels—one focused on cross-agency collaboration to protect health and safety while maintaining system sustainability, and another on strengthening and sustaining the Direct Support Professional workforce. Sharing Maryland’s work while learning from other states reinforces the value of collaboration and ensures we continue bringing new tools and ideas back home.
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Reflecting on 2025
As we approach the close of 2025, it is a meaningful moment to reflect on what we have accomplished together, what we have heard from you, and where we are headed as a community. This year brought significant change, candid conversations, and a shared commitment to strengthening Maryland’s system of support and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
One of the most significant milestones was the consolidation of three Medicaid waiver programs into a single Community Pathways Waiver, effective October 6th. This transformation was designed to simplify access, reduce complexity, and promote a more consistent, person-centered experience. We recognize that changes of this scale come with both opportunities and challenges, and we remain committed to monitoring implementation closely and making adjustments as needed.
Community engagement was a defining feature of the year, and the goal has been to ensure that voices across the system and across the state were heard. These conversations were honest and, at times, challenging, but they reinforced the importance of partnership and ongoing dialogue.
We heard clearly the need for improved communication, transparency, and accessibility—especially around waiver changes and policy expectations. In response, DDA has expanded translated materials, increased hybrid engagement opportunities, and recommitted to clear, timely communication. Transparency and accessibility are not one-time actions; they are ongoing commitments.
Across all of this work, one principle remained constant: a shared dedication to person-centered supports and full community inclusion. Whether through policy, service delivery, or engagement, our focus continues to be on promoting self-determination, meaningful participation, and equitable access—regardless of geography, language, or support needs.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As the year concludes and the holiday season approaches, I want to sincerely thank each of you for your continued engagement, advocacy, and partnership. This has been a year of listening, learning, transformation, and laying important groundwork. While challenges remain, our shared commitment to building a system that is more equitable, accessible, and sustainable for all Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities will continue to guide our path forward.
I look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead—and the DDA team and I thank you for another purposeful and dynamic year.
In service and partnership,
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Marlana R. Hutchinson, Deputy Secretary
Developmental Disabilities Administration
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DDA Waiver Advisory Council Recruitment | | |
The Waiver Advisory Council helps guide the DDA by:
- Giving advice and recommendations on how DDA’s Medicaid waiver program is designed, delivered, and improved.
- Creating a strong feedback loop between DDA and the community, with a focus on hearing from people who have lived experience with Medicaid waiver services.
Open Council Member Positions
The DDA is currently looking for:
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Participants who use the Community Provider-Managed (Traditional) Service Delivery Model
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A Coordination of Community Services (CCS) Provider
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A Support Broker
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Family Members involved with the Self-Directed Services Delivery Model
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Family Members involved with the Community Provider-Managed (Traditional) Service Delivery Model
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining, please complete the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Appointment Application.
To see the list of DDA Waiver Advisory Council (WAC) membership seats, please scroll down on the webpage to the DDA Waiver Advisory section. Then, select the type of seat you are interested in representing. The list shows each type of seat, including members who represent people with lived experience, family members, providers, and community partners.
📩 For questions or help with your application, contact:
Nicole (Kropfelder) Williams
Email: Nicole.Kropfelder1@maryland.gov
For additional information: Waiver Advisory Council webpage
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Support Broker Training Reminder
The DDA has updated the Support Broker certification training to reflect recent waiver changes, feedback, and policy updates. All current Support Broker certifications expire December 31, 2025, so you must complete the new recertification training before then to continue providing services in 2026. The training is now self-paced, with videos on DDA’s YouTube page and three online tests instead of 17. Anyone new to the role can also complete the training to become certified through December 31, 2026.
Next Steps
To take part in the updated certification or recertification training:
- Register online to gain access to the tests.
🔘 REGISTER HERE
- After you register, DDA will send you your test links.
| | Keeping People Safe: Reporting Abuse and Neglect | | |
One of the most important ways to keep the people we support safe is to ensure that all staff understand and follow the Policy on Reportable Incidents and Investigations (PORII). Everyone who provides DDA services must comply with reporting requirements for abuse.
Abuse includes failing to take action when a person is harmed or at risk of harm. Abuse may be physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional, and is never acceptable.
All staff must report abuse if they witness it, suspect it, or are told about it. Reports must be made within the required timeframes.
Reporting abuse is not just a policy requirement—it is a critical step in protecting the safety, dignity, and rights of the people we support.
Both participants who self-direct and DDA Providers are responsible for ensuring staff are adequately trained, understand the policy, and follow the correct reporting steps. These actions help prevent abuse and promote safety across the State.
If abuse involves suspected criminal activity, serious injury, sexual abuse, or immediate danger, contact law enforcement immediately, and then follow the Policy on Reportable Incidents and Investigations to report the incident to DDA.
If assistance is needed with reporting, please contact your Regional Office Quality Enhancement Director.
Central: Shireen Hodge-Ryan at Shireen.Hodge-Ryan@maryland.gov
Eastern: Caroline Bailey at Caroline.Bailey@maryland.gov
Southern: Mark Celeste at Mark.Celeste@maryland.gov
Western: Dawn Harrison at Dawn.Harrison@maryland.gov
Resources: Policy of Reportable Incidents and Investigations Webinars
| | Cross Systems Innovations Updates | | |
New Updates to DDA!
Cross-Systems Innovation Division
The DDA is excited to introduce the newly reimagined Cross-Systems Innovation (CSI) Division, designed to strengthen how we work across service systems that support people with IDD. The Cross-Systems Innovation Division’s purpose is to bridge gaps, build partnerships, and drive innovations that create an equitable, holistic system of supports.
The Cross-Systems Innovation Division will focus on connecting and coordinating across key systems, including Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, Education and Transition Services, Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation, Housing, Transportation, Aging Services, Public Health, Medicaid, and Child Welfare.
The Cross-Systems Innovation Division includes the DDA Clinical Team, Provider Services, Innovations, and Lifespan Supports and Services.
Together, we’re strengthening our framework, our partnerships, and our vision for truly cross-system solutions!
Lifespan Supports and Services
Within the Cross-Systems Innovation Division, the DDA has combined its Children’s Services and Family Supports Programs into a single initiative, now called Lifespan Support and Services. This effort brings together resources and expertise from both programs to provide more coordinated, person and family-centered support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This unified approach will guide targeted initiatives to strengthen early intervention, access, expand outreach, and enhance service delivery from childhood through adulthood.
We want to hear from you! Please take this survey to provide feedback on DDA’s Lifespan Supports and Services Team.
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Maryland Rare Disease Advisory Council Needs Assessment
The Maryland Rare Disease Advisory Council (MRDAC) is conducting a needs assessment of Marylanders with rare diseases. The Council has developed a survey to better understand the needs of individuals, families, and loved ones affected by rare diseases in the State of Maryland. In the United States of America, a rare disease is defined as one that affects fewer than 1 in 200,000 people. The survey results will help the Council’s efforts to improve the quality of life of all those affected by rare diseases in Maryland.
You can find the survey HERE.
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Since July 1, 2025, DDA has…
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Convened 24 DDA-sponsored workgroup meetings (e.g., Waiver Advisory Council, Rate Review Advisory Group)
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Attended or hosted 35 other community engagement events (e.g., DDA listening sessions, regional office attendance at local events)
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Hosted 46 live training sessions for stakeholder groups and the public
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Sent 84 communications to its email listserv (average of 1 communication every 2-3 days), including four (4) editions of DDA’s comprehensive monthly newsletter, the DDA Connection
| | Regional Provider Meetings | | |
We are excited to announce that our DDA Quarterly Regional Provider Meetings will continue in 2026. We sincerely appreciate providers who share valuable feedback and information. Your input is crucial in shaping the topics that DDA will cover at the regional meetings.
By clicking your region’s registration button below you will automatically be registered for your region’s annual series of meetings. You only have to register once and you will be registered for the entire year.
CMRO - 1/14/26, 4/15/26, 7/15/26, 10/7/26 REGISTER HERE
ESRO - 1/15/26, 4/16/26, 7/16/26, 10/15/26 REGISTER HERE
SMRO - 1/13/26, 4/14/26, 7/14/26, 10/13/26 REGISTER HERE
WMRO - 1/8/26, 4/9/26, 7/9/26, 10/8/26 REGISTER HERE
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A Celebration
Center for Social Change held its CSC Day Celebration on November 12th, celebrating 32 years of supporting Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live healthy, safe, and valued lives. DDA’s Central Maryland Regional Office Regional Director, Bianca Renwick, attended the event, and Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller was also in attendance. CSC recognized the significant contributions of its staff members, with a focus on staff milestone anniversaries: 10, 15, and 20 years of service.
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Our Vision:
To connect Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities to services that help empower them so they can live the lives they want to live in communities they choose.
Our Mission:
To provide a high-quality and sustainable healthcare system that is equitable and accessible to all.
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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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