Living The Life
You Want
Welcome To Our Official Website
SDAN VISION STATEMENT
We envision people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living self-directed, fulfilling lives with access to all the long-term services and supports they need.
SDAN MISSION STATEMENT
SDAN-Maryland’s mission is to advocate for participant choice, control, flexibility, and the sustainability of self-directed services and supports. We do this through education, training, legislative advocacy, maintaining partnerships with state agencies and divisions, and collaborating with organizations committed to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Your Life, Your Choice
Recent Information
News
Urgent Action Required to Protect Maryland Self-Direction
The proposed $150 million in cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services are not just numbers on a budget sheet — they represent real people, real families, and real lives that will be directly affected. These reductions would destabilize...
Supported with Dignity: Desi’s Story
For Desi, self-direction means living a life shaped by his choices and being understood on his own terms. At 46 years old, Desi self-directs his services with a team designed around his preferences, communication style, and daily routines. Desi does not use spoken...
Building a “Beautiful Life”: Connor’s Story
For Connor, self-direction has been life changing. For his mom, Donna, it has meant watching her son rediscover joy, health, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Connor is 28 years old and, like many people, experienced isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown. His day...
The Power of Choice, the Freedom to Grow: Sanjay’s Story
For Sanjay and his family, self-direction has meant something simple and powerful: choice. Before self-direction, Sanjay attended a traditional day program with set routines and group-based schedules. While those programs work well for many individuals, they did not...
Choice, Dignity, and Independence: Anneke’s Story
For Anneke, self-direction has meant reclaiming her life and living as an individual, not being defined by a schedule or a system. After years of navigating traditional, one-size-fits-all services, self-direction gave Anneke the ability and flexibility to shape her...
Cassie’s Story: A Life Rooted in Care and Connection
When Cassie turned 21, the world shut down. COVID closed schools, routines disappeared overnight, and for Cassie and her mom, life suddenly became very small. With no school, no outside help, and no ability for her mom to work, the days became overwhelming and...
SDAN MEMBERSHIP MEETING: Updates, Workgroups and Focus Areas
As we began the new year, we held our SDAN Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 15, from 12:00–1:30 PM via ZOOM. This meeting provided an opportunity to: Share updates on recent changes affecting self-direction Introduce new SDAN workgroups and focus areas Discuss...
Al’s Story: Care That Fits, Funding That Stretches
For Al and his family, self-direction has meant something deeply personal: choice. According to his mother, Alicia, self-direction allows Al to decide what he does, when he does it, where he goes, and who he spends time with. Before adulthood, school environments were...
Keeping Jonah Connected and Thriving: A Self-Directed Story
For Dee and her son Jonah, self-direction has been nothing short of life changing. Jonah entered adolescence during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when his behaviors became increasingly intense and unpredictable. At just 13 years old, Jonah...
Leading Her Own Life: Caroline’s Self-Directed Journey
At 31 years old, Caroline is living a full, active life shaped by choice, connection, and purpose. The youngest of three siblings, with family spread between New York City and Florida, Caroline has built a life of her own in Rockville, Maryland. She lives in her own...
More Lives, More Choices!
Jake’s Story of Stability and Growth
Jake’s success depends on trust. And trust depends on long-term, stable direct support staff who are paid fairly enough to stay. Jake is 25 years old. He has Down syndrome and autism, along with health and sensory needs that require close supervision for his safety....
Noah’s Story: Safety, Structure, and a Life Fully Lived Through Self-Direction
Noah is 24 years old. He is autistic and experiences the world differently, with needs that require consistency and care. He is also deeply social, active, and happiest when he is out in the community, surrounded by familiar faces and meaningful routines. For Noah and...