It’s Time for A Change

STOP DDA’s Community Pathway Waiver Amendment 2 ** STOP DDA Leaders from Mandating Rules that Are Hurting Those with Disabilities

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) of the state of Maryland is proposing rules, service definitions, and funding methodology that will devastate those with disabilities, their families and the advocates and providers that those with disabilities depend upon for services.  DDA continues to try and force into place flawed systems that stakeholders do not want.

In DDA’s own words they proposed denying use of public funds “… for any disability specific event, program, etc…”  This means no Special Olympics, no sensory friendly Kennedy Center performances, no specially designed college classes for people with disabilities.

In DDA’s own words they proposed not allowing support for individuals with disabilities to work in community businesses created specifically for the purpose of employing those with disabilities.

For three years thousands of stakeholders, dozens of advocacy groups and hundreds of Service Providers have pleaded with the Deputy Secretary of DDA to stop forcing on the public flawed and dangerous policies which waste valuable tax payer dollars, are overly proscriptive, and only make it more difficult to help individuals with disabilities.  None of what DDA is forcing on this vulnerable population needs to be done. It is not mandated by any laws, regulations, or requirements. Disability Rights Maryland has gone so far as to say in their public comments that the “…DDA cannot abrogate the fundamental right of freedom of association with other individuals with disabilities…”

DDA leadership refuses to listen.

The just released 2019 Office of Legislative Audits Report has cited DDA for repeated fiscal mismanagement and noncompliance with regulatory statues. The state audit concluded

“As a result of our audit, we determined that DDA’s accountability and compliance level was unsatisfactory”

We AGREE with the State Audit. It is time for change. The vision of DDA is not our vision. Please join those with disabilities in calling for a change in DDA, their policies, and the way they do business with the public.

We are asking the Governor to intercede and correct the unresponsive, inept, and failed management within DDA and to give Maryland a Developmental Disabilities Administration of which we can be proud. One that is capable of designing a fair and efficient system of service delivery to our most fragile and vulnerable of citizens. Those with disabilities and their families deserve this.

Please show your support by signing this petition and sharing with friends and family who care about the future of our children and adults with disabilities.