The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) plays a vital role in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across the state. Let's explore what the DDA offers, who qualifies for services, and how to navigate the application process.
What is the DDA?
The Maryland DDA provides essential services and supports for both children and adults with developmental disabilities. These services are designed to help individuals live as independently as possible within their communities while receiving the specific support they need.
A developmental disability is defined as a severe chronic disability that:
- Arises before age 22
- Makes independent living impossible without support
- Is not solely a mental illness diagnosis (though someone can have both)
Common examples include intellectual disability, autism, and cerebral palsy.
Services Offered
The DDA's home and community-based services are tailored to individual needs and preferences. These services can include:
- Support staff
- Employment assistance
- Respite care
- Home modifications
- Assistive technology
- Behavioral support
These services can be provided in various settings - in the individual's own home, a shared living arrangement, or in provider-owned housing. Once approved, services continue as long as eligibility requirements are met, with service types adapting to changing needs and preferences.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for DDA services, a person must meet several criteria:
- Have a developmental disability and be unable to live independently without support
- Need the level of services DDA provides
- Have a disability determination from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program
- Be eligible for a Medicaid Waiver (which has higher income limits than standard Medicaid and no income limits for families of minor children)
Service Priority and Waiting Lists
Due to funding limitations, not all eligible individuals can receive services immediately. The DDA typically prioritizes eligible people who are:
- In crisis situations (as defined by DDA)
- Leaving nursing facilities or other institutions
- Youth between ages 21 and 22
When funding isn't immediately available, applicants are placed on a waiting list. Occasionally, additional funding becomes available for those waiting.
Service Planning Process
After establishing eligibility and securing funding, the process involves:
- Working with a Coordinator of Community Services
- Creating a person-centered planning team
- Developing a plan based on the individual's desired lifestyle and necessary supports
- Identifying which services can be provided by other resources (family, friends, public transit, etc.)
- Determining which services DDA will fund
Medicaid Waiver Programs
The DDA provides funding through three distinct Medicaid Waiver Programs:
1. Family Supports Waiver
- For eligible children under 22 and their families
- Includes respite care, personal supports, home modifications, and technology
- Annual funding limit: $12,000
2. Community Supports Waiver
- Provides day, employment, and support services for all ages
- Does not include residential services
- Annual funding limit: $25,000
3. Community Pathways Waiver
- Comprehensive services including residential, day, employment, and support services
- No funding cap
Individuals enter a specific waiver program based on their service needs and required support level.
Regional Offices
Maryland's DDA divides the state into four regions to better serve residents:
Central Maryland
Serves Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Baltimore City
Eastern Shore
Serves Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties
Southern Maryland
Serves Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's, and St. Mary's counties
Western Maryland
Serves Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties
Each regional office can provide applications in English or Spanish and assist with questions about services available in that area. For specific contact information, residents can visit the DDA website at dda.health.maryland.gov or call their regional office directly.
This comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities demonstrates Maryland's commitment to ensuring these residents can live meaningful, integrated lives in their communities with the level of support that meets their unique needs.
