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The DDA Connection
July 18, 2025
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Dear DDA Community,
This month, we proudly celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. For over three decades, the ADA has been a landmark civil rights law, breaking down barriers and opening doors for millions of Americans with disabilities.
The ADA has helped create a more inclusive society, protecting rights, improving access, and promoting equal opportunities in employment, transportation, public spaces, and more. As we mark this important milestone, the Developmental Disabilities Administration renews its commitment to advancing equity, accessibility, and full participation for all.
THANK YOU!
We truly appreciate the time each of you took to engage in meetings with the DDA, attend our Medicaid waiver amendment informational webinars, read the Medicaid waiver application, and provide your thoughtful feedback. We received feedback from over 250 community partners in 307 emails (totaling 712 pages), and we read every comment and question. We thank you for being an engaged participant in these important conversations. There will continue to be multiple opportunities to work with us collaboratively. Your voice is important to us and plays a vital role in helping us better understand the needs of the I/DD community so that we can work together to improve the DDA’s overall service delivery system that matters most to all of us.
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Marlana R. Hutchinson, Deputy Secretary
Developmental Disabilities Administration
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Celebrating 60 Years of Medicaid
The month of July marks a major milestone—Medicaid turns 60! As the program faces some of its greatest challenges in decades, it’s more important than ever to reflect on and celebrate all that Medicaid has done to improve lives across the country.
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicaid into law. Since then, Maryland Medicaid has helped millions of Marylanders access the care they need to live healthier, fuller lives. For six decades, Medicaid has been a vital lifeline, delivering critical coverage and services.
Governor Wes Moore has officially proclaimed July as Maryland Medicaid Month in honor of Medicaid’s 60th Anniversary! For six decades, Medicaid has provided essential health coverage and critical services to millions of Marylanders. This July, we celebrate the impact it has had and the future it continues to build for a healthy Maryland. Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy.
This milestone is an opportunity to honor Medicaid’s history, highlight its impact, and look ahead to the future.
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Celebrating 60 Years of the Older Americans Act
For six decades, the Older Americans Act (OAA), enacted in 1965, has been a cornerstone of support for older adults across the United States. It laid the foundation for vital community-based programs that promote independence, dignity, and well-being for people aged 60 and over.
From Meals on Wheels and transportation services to caregiver support and senior centers, the OAA has helped millions of older Americans age with dignity in their homes and communities. Today, it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of a growing and diverse aging population-honoring its legacy while building a stronger future for all older adults.
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DDA-Operated Medicaid Waiver Amendments
The Maryland Department of Health submitted amendments for the DDA-operated Medicaid waiver programs to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on July 17, 2025.
We appreciate all the stakeholder engagements and input on the development and revisions to the initial proposals.
Next Steps:
- Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services review and follow-up questions
- Information and training for stakeholders
Proposed amendment effective date: October 6, 2025
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New - Program Sustainability Group
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) invites you to apply to join our newly-formed Program Sustainability Group, which will include individuals currently enrolled in a DDA-operated Medicaid waiver program, individuals on DDA’s waitlist, self-direction and community providers, and community advocates. Members will be responsible for helping to support meaningful engagement, with a focus on short- and long-term program sustainability. Participants will have the opportunity to advise and provide recommendations to the DDA on service delivery system redesign, long term services and supports, and quality enhancement strategies that are outcome-driven, sustainable, and cost-effective.
Meetings will be held in person, with a virtual option (i.e., live streaming) for workgroup members.
Please be on the lookout for more information on how to apply to join the Program Sustainability Group in the coming days, including a link to the online application.
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Stay Tuned! Technology First Four-Year Anniversary:
Let’s Talk Tech! Low Tech to High Tech
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On August 15, 2022, through proclamation, Maryland became the eighth U.S. state to launch the Technology First State initiative, which aims to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by expanding access to technology to improve the quality of their lives. The Developmental Disabilities Administration is excited to celebrate our fourth Technology First Anniversary with you! This event will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Leading up to this celebration, we have showcased innovations in assistive technology through our Let’s Talk Tech series, which is now accessible on our YouTube channel. During this year’s celebration, we will highlight ways to use low-to-high technology devices, from weighted utensils, remote supports, and much, much more! We will spotlight national assistive technology vendors who will introduce innovative ways to help you live full lives in the communities of your choice.
More details coming soon!
If you have any questions, please contact our Statewide Director of Innovations, Stephanie Jones, at Stephanie.Jones2@maryland.gov.
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Let’s Talk Tech Series: The Assistive Technology Navigator for Families and Coordinators of Community Services
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is pleased to invite you to a special presentation on the Assistive Technology Navigator, led by Daphni Steffin, Chief Operating Officer of Opportunities Inc., and the creator of this innovative tool.
What is the Assistive Technology Navigator?
The Assistive Technology Navigator is designed to support Coordinators of Community Services (CCSs) and families in exploring and understanding technology solutions that promote greater independence for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability. This tool facilitates meaningful conversations to determine whether assistive technology is the right fit and helps guide the documentation process for person-centered planning.
Join us for this exciting webinar on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. to learn how to effectively use the Navigator in your conversations with individuals and families, and how to accurately reflect these discussions in the person-centered plan when making technology-related requests.
We look forward to your participation!
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Brian’s Bridge to Belonging:
An Inclusive Maryland Inclusive Housing Success Story
In this episode of “A Bridge to Belonging,” we meet Brian Silvea, a determined Howard County resident in his 30s living with a developmental disability. With the support of Maryland Inclusive Housing (MIH), Brian secured affordable and accessible housing that provided him with independence, comfort, and the opportunity to live in a supportive community.
Brian’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong support system. Watch his story to find out how MIH has helped him build a foundation for independence and a brighter future.
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Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Maryland Program Overview
The Developmental Disabilities Administration's Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program:
- Supports children and adults on the DDA waiting list and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not receive any support from the DDA.
- Provides grants of up to $ 1,000 to help children and adults purchase approved services and items to address their needs.
- The maximum award for each recipient of the program for FY 2026 will be $1,000. What This Means for You: The Random Selection and Application Submission Schedule for FY 2026 will change due to updates to the program this year. Online access will open in July 2025, and there will be only one round for FY 2026.
- The application period will close on September 15, 2025.
- Random selection will take place on September 30, 2025.
Regular updates and communication will be provided to keep you informed. If you have any questions or concerns, please email dda.liss@maryland.gov.
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Opportunity: Statewide Behavior Supports Committee Member
Seeking a BSS Clinician to fill a vacancy in the Statewide Behavior Supports Committee
Responsibilities Include:
- Offering guidance on best practices in behavior analysis.
- Participating in policy discussions and decision-making.
- Contributing to training materials and resources.
- Staying updated on research and trends.
Qualifications:
- Active LBA, BCBA, LCSW-C, or LCPC license
- Experience conducting functional behavior assessments and developing behavior support plans.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to ethical practice.
- Passion for improving the lives of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Application Process (due July 31, 2025, to meg.depasquale@maryland.gov):
- Letter of interest outlining experience and expertise.
- De-identified sample behavior plan.
Selection Timeline:
- Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Review: August 2025
- Notification: August 30, 2025
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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.
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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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