In last week's DDA Connection we asked “How do you do you?” Seriously! How do you do you?! We want to know! We want to hear your story about how DDA supports and services has helped you become more independent, access technology, get a job, meet new friends, etc.

Your story is worth telling! Click below if you are interested in participating in this project!

Release of the Journey Towards Person-Centered Excellence Monthly Newsletter

Liberty Healthcare Corporation on behalf of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) will be providing regular updates and important information related to the joint work of the DDA, The Council for Quality and Leadership (CQL) and Liberty as we continue on our journey towards person-centered excellence within the DD system.

Please find attached the April edition of The Journey newsletter. The newsletter also can be found on the QIO web page of the DDA website.

https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Quality-Improvement-Organization.aspx



If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Mettrick at jennifer.mettrick@libertyhealth.com 

Federal Program Updates

DDA Waiver Renewals Approved

The DDA is happy to announce the Center for Medicaid and Medicaid Services approval of the DDA-operated Family Supports Waiver, Community Supports Waiver, and Community Pathways Waiver renewal proposals.

Next steps:

• Waiver Renewals 2023 Services Update Summary Chart issued next week.
• DDA Renewal web pages updated with track change documents.
• Policies updated with renewal changes.
• DDA Renewal Webinar on May 19, 2023 from noon to 1:30 p.m. 

• The DDA Connection - Waiver Renewal Special Edition - coming soon!

MDH Medicaid Check-In 

It is important for you to watch for communication from the Maryland Department of Human Services and respond within the required timeframe. For more information, visit the Maryland Medicaid Check-in Website.​​

For myMDThink account assistance:

• Customer access concerns: Labelle Hillgrove at Labelle.hillgrove@maryland.gov. 

System issues: Gina Roberts at gina.roberts@maryland.gov.

DDA Policy Updates 

The DDA is happy to announce that the following policies have been published in PolicyStat:

• Transition Services 
• Family and Peer Mentoring Services 

To find the initial draft policies, along with a summary of stakeholder input and the final track change policy, you can visit the DDA Policy Stakeholder Input Archive webpage.  

If you have questions or need any accommodations, please reach out to the DDA Federal Programs Policy Lead, Danielle Coles at Danielle.Coles1@maryland.gov.

Program Updates

Technology First 

Want a quick overview of what it means for Maryland to be a Technology First state? The DDA is excited to continually introduce you to ways that you may use technology to increase your independence in your chosen communities! Click below to view our summary that will help you to identify your tech needs and how to access services that will address them. 

Tech Tuesdays Lunch and Learn Series

April 25, 2023: Enabling Technology & Quality of Life: My Home, My Health, My Privacy

This month’s Tech Tuesday session introduced various technical devices individuals can have in their homes to promote independence and assist with maintaining their health. Great to see people choosing specific technology that continues to support them in living their best, most independent lives! Missed the webinar? Click below to view! 

Stay tuned for an announcement of the raffle winner at our next Tech Tuesday on May 23, which will be a continuation of this Tech Tuesday topic. 

2050 Transportation Plan

Access to transportation is a crucial part of ensuring all Marylanders are able to live fulfilling lives and integrate fully into their communities, including getting to and from work. The Maryland Department of Transportation is kicking off the new Maryland Transportation Plan (MTP), Maryland’s long-range transportation plan, that will guide the state's vision and corresponding policy and investment priorities for the next 20 years. Please consider filling out the public survey available until May 5 and provide feedback that will help enhance and guide public transportation services in Maryland.

Please follow this link to be directed to the MTP survey.

Community Settings Rule (CSR) /Community Settings Questionnaire (CSQ) Training Overview

The DDA will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on how to facilitate conversations related to the completion of the CSQ as well as a review of the CSR guidance. Plan to join us for this interactive and informative session that will assist teams with this collaborative process.

Person-Centered Planning Enhancements 

Thank you to the 40+ people who expressed interest in being on the DDA Person-Centered Planning Implementation Committee. The DDA is finalizing membership and will send out welcome letters the first week of May. We are still looking for people supported by DDA and community advocates to join the committee. If you are interested, please click below. As the committee begins meeting, regular updates on the work they are accomplishing will be provided. Stay tuned!

Missed a previous DDA Connection? 

Click here to view the archive.



Click here to view upcoming events on our DDA Training Calendar.

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

Have feedback about our communication? Take our survey!