Developmental Disabilities Program

Resource Coordination Department

Overview of DDA

The mission of the DDA is to provide leadership to assure the full participation of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of community life. In addition, the DDA’s goal is to promote their empowerment to access quality supports and services necessary to foster personal growth, independence and productivity.

Self Determination – DDA is committed to supporting all individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise the four principals of self-determination.

• Freedom – to make choices
• Authority – over services and supports
• Responsibility – for organizing resources
• Supports – necessary to live in the community

The (DDA) is a state – funded agency that operates under the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). An individual qualifies for services if he/she is eligible as a person with a “Developmental Disability” (DD) through the DDA Developmental Disabilities Law, 10.22.18.03, and individuals shall be eligible for DD services if they have a severe, chronic disability caused by a physical or mental condition, other than a sole diagnosis of mental illness that is manifested before the age of 22, that is likely to continue indefinitely, and as a result the individual cannot live independently without continued assistance and the need for individually planned and coordinated supports.

The DDA provides a coordinated service delivery system so that individuals with developmental disabilities receive appropriate services oriented toward the goal of integration into the community. The DDA provides services to approximately 22,000 individuals statewide. Services are provided through a wide array of community based services delivered primarily through a network of approximately 200 private providers. The DDA, licenses, funds and regulates these community based services through four regional offices. The regional offices are responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating services to ensure a comprehensive, effective service delivery system. Regional offices are located in Hagerstown, Salisbury, Owings Mills and Laurel. Community services include residential programs, community supported living arrangements, individual family care placements, day programs, supported employment, resource coordination, transportation, and a variety of family, individual and behavioral support services.

Types of Services Available – The Eastern Shore Regional Office administers services and supports the nine counties of the Eastern Shore. These services include:

• Resource Coordination – is provided to assist individuals and families with locating and obtaining services to meet their needs and interest.
• Employment and Day Services – Are designed to help people find meaningful ways to spend their time. This includes assisting individuals with finding employment, retirement options, exploring volunteer opportunities, and other activities in their communities which match their interest.
• Residential Services – Are designed to provide a variety of services to adults. People may be supported in their own homes, with their family, or in a home owned or leased by an agency that provides residential services. Some people live alone and others choose to live with other people to share expenses or for companionship.
• Individual Support Services – Are available to assist adults who are living in their own homes, with their families, or in some other supported living arrangement. They may include ongoing assistance with shopping, budgeting, or personal hygiene.
• Family Support Services – Are designed to help families stay together. Family Support Services are flexible and responsive to what the family needs, when they need it.

It is important to understand that DDA services are not an entitlement. Individuals must apply for and be determined eligible for services and funding must be available in order to receive services. Those individuals in greatest need (crisis) will receive services first. You can find more information about DDA on their web site: www.ddamaryland.org .

Agency Pages

• About our program
• Overview of DDA
• How to Apply
• The Governor’s Transitioning Youth Initiative
• Community Resources
• Housing Options
• Links