Our Mission: To promote and support the use of self-directed services to empower
individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve purposeful and
fulfilling lives.

We accomplish our mission in the following ways:
1. By acknowledging and respecting that each participant is the center of the service plan and
that all participants are capable of self-directing his/her program with varying levels of supports.
2. By recognizing that the participant is the leader of the team, and all other members work to
ensure that his/her interests, desires, and goals are reflected in the service plan so that each
participant is able to develop their potential, experience meaningful interactions in their
communities, and live joyfully.
3. By recognizing and promoting the inclusion and formal involvement of family members, or
other advocates chosen by the participant, in the provision of direct services and other supports
throughout the lifetime of the participant when this involvement reflects the desire of the
participant and is in his/her best interest, as determined by each participant and his/her team.
4. By informing the larger community, including government administrators and elected
officials, about the nature and benefits of true self-direction.
5. By advocating for participants’ right to individualized and genuinely person-centered plans,
including unique and outside-the-box thinking without arbitrary and unnecessary restrictions not
otherwise part of CMS guidelines and regulations.
6. By working cooperatively with Maryland’s DDA, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, and elected officials to use resources wisely and to maintain and improve services for
Self-Directing participants.
7. By providing a platform where self-directing participants and their families/advocates can
celebrate achievements; arrange formal and informal social gatherings; learn about issues that
affect self-direction options; share resources; exchange information and ideas; and work together
to solve problems.