Dear Community Partners,

Governor Wes Moore has proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Maryland, recognizing the unlimited potential of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed nationwide every March to promote understanding, inclusion, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Developmental Disabilities Administration is excited to showcase not only the great work that our team, providers, vendors and stakeholders continue to do to improve the lives of those who receive services and supports, but also to bring continued attention to the achievements of those individuals who are thriving in the communities in which they choose to live, work, play, and engage. To celebrate, the Developmental Disabilities Administration devotes this entire edition to highlighting a few inspiring stories you shared with us! 

Sincerely,

Marlana R. Hutchinson, Deputy Secretary

Developmental Disabilities Administration

Meet Kavita!

"A Bridge to Belonging" is an inspiring testimonial series by Maryland Inclusive Housing, showcasing the journeys of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they achieve independence, stability, and belonging through accessible housing support. Each episode highlights the unique stories of resilience and transformation, shedding light on how personalized housing solutions empower lives, foster community, and open doors to brighter futures. 

Meet Kavita, a determined woman in her 30s who has a developmental disability. With the help of MIH, Kavita secured Housing Support Services that helped her transform her new space into a forever home. Kavita's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong support system. Click the image below to watch Kavita’s story! You can then subscribe to watch Maryland Inclusive Housing’s video series!

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO WATCH KAVITA!

Meet Alessandro!

Alessandro is a 15-year-old teenager who has experienced tough challenges due to behavior. For some, this would create a barrier to living their best life, which also used to be the case for Alessandro. However, his story is a great example of the support that Medicaid waiver services can have to help a person with developmental disabilities experience success! 

Alessandro’s grandparents, who are his guardians, shared a few of the remarkable “wins” that he has experienced with the support of his provider’s staff. Lovingly referred to as the “A-Team,” the staff have supported Alessandro in beginning to function more independently in his home and community. He is learning to cook food. When shopping, he chooses his own clothes. He has played basketball in his neighborhood with a peer for the first time, throwing a football and kicking around a soccer ball. He has gone to the barbershop and can go to a doctor’s appointment which he had been unable to do. He was able to go to the movies for the first time to see a recent movie, Mufasa. A year ago, these “firsts” were not on the horizon. His grandmother shared that the waiver supports services has been life-changing for him and the family.  

-Alessandro’s Grandmother

Meet Lee!

Lee is an amazing young man who continues challenging the perceptions of those diagnosed with autism. While medical professionals thought that Lee would need to live out his life in a group home setting, we have sought every kind of supplemental support we could to prevent this. He has thrived at home and now lives independently in his own apartment! Lee graduated from Kennedy Krieger, where, for 13 years, he received the services and support that helped him develop some amazing skills. After having a brief experience that did not support his desire for independence, we were thankful to learn about Lee’s option to self-direct his services.

Today, Lee lives independently in an apartment in Joppatowne/Harford County, works part-time in a grocery store, and has a small eBay business where he purchases old tools, refinishes them, and sells them. His support staff takes him to auctions, helps him post online, and manages his business. Lee independently photographs his products, determining their value through online research, packaging, and mailing. Until recently, Lee rode his bike to work, which is more than a mile each way and in all kinds of weather. His supervisor used him as an example to other employees who would call out.  Lee independently joined a local church, of which he is an active member. He regularly receives public thanks for his contribution of time and talent.

In January of last year, Lee decided that he wanted to drive and get a car to be more independent and pursue other opportunities. With the assistance of the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services and his support team,  Lee learned to drive. In November of this year, Lee got his license and a car.

We adamantly believe that Lee’s success is directly tied to his ability to self-direct his services in the Self-Directed Services Model! He does not fit into a rigid, predetermined, and planned program. Instead, he thrives in his independence and is indeed a testament to the success of Maryland's Self-Directed Services Model. He is like a bird that discovered it could fly. He continues to amaze us and defy the perceptions of individuals with autism. Lee leads a happy, full, and productive life.

-Christine Ader Soto, Mother

Meet Joshua!

Meet Joshua, a 7-year-old in the Self-Directed Services Model of the Family Supports Waiver. His mother shared that he has made remarkable progress after approximately two years of receiving DDA waiver support services. Without staff support, Joshua would have never been able to experience this level of community integration and resources. 

Like many young boys, Joshua loves cars. Specifically, he is fascinated with the Tesla Cybertruck. On December 24th, 2024, we, Joshua’s support staff, took him to the Tesla dealership to see one up close. He enjoyed exploring all of the different vehicles. 

After seeing the cars, we went to a nearby mall to get pizza and yogurt–some of his favorites. As we got closer, we saw a homeless mother and her three young children sitting in front of the parlor. When asked if they were hungry, the mother replied that they were. Joshua then asked me why they were hungry. This big-hearted young man then asked me what we could do to help! Joshua then said that he wanted to go home and bake some cookies to give to the family. He also wanted to give the family some items to help them.  

We went to his home and helped Joshua bake cookies. He then got some of his belongings together and put them in a bag. He also took three dollars from his piggy bank to give. We then went back to the mall to look for the family. We did not see them immediately, so we went to the Red Roof Inn, where the mother was trying to get a room for the night. As we left the hotel, Joshua happily spotted the family at the nearby gas station. He handed them the cookies and treats he put together for them.

I must say that Joshua almost brought me to tears with his care and concern for others. I have observed his behavior over the year since I began working with him. He continues to show concern for others, wanting to help when he thinks people are in need.  Joshua's decision-making has improved, and he takes his time in tough situations to think things through. Joshua is a great example for others to follow, and he uses his critical thinking skills to get better results.

-Joshua’s Support Staff

Meet Sri!

Sri joined Best Buddies nearly thirty-two years ago as a freshman at the University of Maryland. “Inclusion is very important to me because, in high school and junior high, I was bullied and was pretty embarrassed about it and kept it to myself. As a result, I felt very isolated and lonely. So, don’t want to see anyone else feel that way. I have made several friends while in Best Buddies, and when I am with them, I feel like I can be myself. I have gained the confidence to become more of a leader through organizing some Best Buddies events in the Montgomery County area,” says Sri.

Today, Sri is matched with his buddy Bryan. “Over the years, I have made several wonderful friends. I was paired with Bryan back in April of 2008, nearly seventeen years ago”. 

Best Buddies improves the health and well-being of Maryland adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing inclusive campus, community, and workplace programs that foster independence, promote social connection, and facilitate employment.

Best Buddies Colleges & Citizens 

The goal of the Best Buddies Friendship programs is to enhance the lives of both individuals through mutually enriching friendships and improve inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded.

 Meet Layla!

Best Buddies helped Layla find her dream job at Gundalow Gourmet.  “I love being in the kitchen and learning new things,” says Layla. Recently, she mastered making pasta salad with roasted squash and enjoys preparing chicken enchiladas and salads. Her growth in the kitchen is a testament to her dedication, and she continues to build on her skills every day. 

Layla’s supervisor, Patty, says, “She’s the queen of lasagnas, chicken enchiladas, and salads in our kitchen. Layla is always up for any last-minute task and does it with efficiency and a positive attitude. She’s one of the hardest-working people I know, and it’s a privilege to work with her.”

Best Buddies Jobs

Best Buddies Jobs provides person-centered, individualized, supported employment services, including career exploration and discovery, work readiness training, job-seeking skills training, job development and placement, on-the-job training, follow-along supports, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Keep Sharing Your Success with Us!

If you or a loved one have a success story to share, or you know someone whose story should be told, please share the word! Your experiences help highlight the impact of services and inspire others in the community. Let’s continue celebrating the progress, independence, and opportunities made possible through these supports! Together, we can keep this going!

If you are still interested in sharing your inspirational journey or success with us, please email Dr. Yemonja Smalls at yemonja.smalls@maryland.gov with your contact information and story! Please send pictures or videos with the completed MDH Media Consent Form so we can share them. We will follow up with you to get additional information if needed. We want to continue to celebrate you throughout the year!  

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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