Operations Update

DDA Community Meeting

The Developmental Disabilities Administration invites all community partners and stakeholders to our next DDA Community Meeting on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

If you have questions or feedback for the DDA, please submit here by July 15, 2025. There will also be opportunities to submit questions and feedback during the meeting. The team will review and respond during the meeting as time permits. By clicking the link below, you will be registered for this and future meetings for calendar year 2025, which are scheduled for the months of September and November.

Programs Updates

Coordinator of Community Services Monthly Meeting

The Coordinator of Community Services meeting occurs on the third Tuesday of each month. This is an opportunity for coordinators to get direct updates from the DDA to help them perform their important role in supporting waiver participants. Coordinators should click below to automatically register for these monthly meetings. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Association of Community Rehabilitation Education (ACRE)

Employment Specialist Certification Training

The Developmental Disabilities Administration remains committed to expanding competitive and integrated employment opportunities. A key component of our efforts is ensuring qualified employment service providers have the skills, knowledge, and tools to support people with developmental disabilities. The Association of Community Rehabilitation Education (ACRE) training is a comprehensive certification program based on national competencies for employment providers. We are pleased to share an opportunity to receive this hybrid training free of charge through the DDA, hosted by the Institute of Community Inclusion. The training will be held from June to October 2025. Registration is required to participate, and seating is limited.

To learn more and register, please click the link below.

Now Open! Cohort: Organization-Wide Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)

Interested in learning more about organization-wide positive behavior support (PBS)? Curious to see how your organization can get involved? Join an informational webinar on how to become part of Cohort 3 and work with the Maryland DDA on adopting an organization-wide approach to positive behavior support.  

Come to the webinar on Friday, June 20th, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. with questions about Positive Behavior Support, the Cohort process, and the application. The webinar will answer frequently asked questions and will:

• Provide a brief overview of the Cohort process 
• Highlight the components of the Cohort 3 application

 Applications are due on July 1, 2025.

Should you have any questions, please contact Terrence Proctor, Statewide Coordinator of Clinical Services, at terrence.proctor1@maryland.gov

Let’s Talk Tech Series: Coordinators of Community Services (CCS)

In August 2022, Maryland became a Technology First State, empowering people with disabilities to consider technology as a first option when selecting service solutions. This shift is a vital part of helping individuals live more autonomous, fulfilling lives as active participants in their communities.

Coordinators of Community Services play a pivotal role in supporting individuals through the Person-Centered Planning process. You are invited to a webinar designed especially for you.  

Please join us for our next edition of - The DDA Let’s Talk Tech Series, where we feature Precious Myers-Brown, Chief Innovations & Dream Officer at Vista Supports LLC, as our guest speaker. 

Precious is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in human services. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, an Assistive Technology-Trained Professional, trained at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) —an industry leader in assistive technology education, and a graduate of the Chief Digital Officer program at the Kellogg School of Management, where she refined her expertise in digital transformation and leadership.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and champion for innovation in disability services. Join us on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

Drug or Disease: The Difference between a Medication Side Effect and a Possible Illness in the Use of Common Psychiatric Medications

Join us as we welcome Paul E. Klaverweiden, Jr., MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, to discuss common side effects and illnesses in the use of psychiatric medications. Paul brings extensive experience in all areas of nursing from intensive care, emergency room, home health, hospice and corrections environments, served as a delegating nurse in Maryland and has held multiple other significant roles while exercising his devotion to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

This session will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Objectives: 

1. Identify common 2nd Generation Antipsychotic (i.e., Risperdone, Seroquel, Abilify, Zyprexa) medications used in the Intellectual Disability population
2. Identify common mood-stabilizer medications (Lamictal, Depakote) used in the Intellectual Disability population
3. Identify common medications used for anxiety (Hydroxyzine, Ativan, Klonopin, Benztropine) used in the ID population
4. Identify common Tricyclic Antidepressant medications (Anafranil, Elavil, Palmor) used in the ID population



The nurse will understand atypical side effects and care plans that should be considered when a participant is taking any of these medications.

If you have any questions about the event or how to register, please feel free to reach out to Alison Johnston at alison.johnston@maryland.gov. 

All nursing-related questions regarding this training should be directed to Ramona Bradley, MSN RN at ramona.bradley@maryland.gov.

Regional Nurses Contact:

***This is an interactive session. Attendance requires active participation via computer, including answering questions. Your attentiveness is measured by the computer system.  Credit cannot be obtained by attending via phone or being inattentive. ***

Upcoming Events

6/10/25   Statewide Nurses Meeting

6/17/25   Coordinator of Community Services Monthly Meeting 

6/25/25   Let’s Talk Tech Series: Coordinators of Community Services

6/26/25   Waiver Advisory Council 

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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