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
Building a Life of Stability and Belonging: Bridget and Maura’s Self-Directed Journey
When Maryland shut down during COVID, many families suddenly lost access to the traditional services they relied on every day. For Bridget, that loss brought her daughter Maura’s needs into abrupt focus. Maura requires 24-hour care, and with provider agency services...
My Life, My Choice: How Self-Direction Helped Sunny Find Her Voice and Purpose
For our My Life, My Choice campaign, we are proud to share Sunny’s story, a powerful example of what can happen when people with disabilities are given the freedom to direct their own lives. Sunny’s journey didn’t begin with choice, but it has become defined by it....
My Life, My Choice: Shelby’s Journey with Self-Direction
As part of our My Life, My Choice campaign, SDAN Maryland is honored to share Shelby’s story, a powerful example of how self-directed services can support a full, connected, and meaningful life. Shelby lives at home with her mother and brother, where the three of them...
My Life, My Choice: Jennifer’s Story
SDAN of Maryland proudly presents Jennifer, a participant whose life and goals reflect the heart of our My Life My Choice campaign. Jennifer’s future is built around what matters most to her: being close to family, contributing to a lively home, and staying connected...
SDAN MEMBERSHIP MEETING: DDA Waiver Amendment Review for Self-Direction Services
As a matter of concern to all DDA waiver participants, on June 9, 2025, the Maryland Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) released a draft Medicaid Waiver Amendment Application. Proposed changes include consolidation of the Family...
SDAN Meeting – Friday 6/20/2025 – 12:00PM
Participant Choice and Control of Services As a matter of concern to all DDA waiver participants, the...
Sustainability Planning Project
A Roadmap for Future Planning for Adults with Disabilities and the Families, Providers and Administrators that Support Them Many individuals with I/DD rely on aging parents or family members as their primary caregivers. As lifespans increase, a growing number of...
COME TO ANNAPOLIS AND JOIN US AT THE BUDGET HEARINGS!
LINK TO SDAN's LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR YOUR PRESENCE SENDS THE STRONGEST MESSAGE POSSIBLE! UPCOMING DDA BUDGET HEARINGS! SB0319/HB0350 Budget Bill Oppose Cuts to DDA Funding IN THE SENATE Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 1:00 PM CARPOOL SIGNUP HERE FOR 2/20/2025 SENATE...
Join Advocates for a Rally to “Save Our DD Services” – Monday Night In Annapolis
We are facing an unprecedented threat to DD supports with draconian cuts to funding for people with developmental disabilities and providers of community-based supports. On Monday Night, please come to Lawyers Mall in Annapolis to join the Maryland DD Coalition Rally...
SDAN LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY RESOURCES
#1. On December 9, 2024, the MDH-DDA reported on Self-Directed Services and IFDGS spending to the Joint Chairs of the Senate Budget and Taxation and the House Appropriation Committees: * DOWNLOAD the MDH-DDA report: Department of Health-Developmental Disabilities...
More Lives, More Choices!
Nick’s Story: Choice, Community, and Safety Through Self-Direction
Nick is 31 years old and lives with his mom and dad, who have spent his life helping him build a meaningful place in the world. He is autistic and nonverbal, communicating primarily through an app on his iPad, along with a few signs and spoken words. Even without many...
Mat’s Story: Building Stability, Independence, and a Future
For Mat self-direction isn’t just a service model - it’s the foundation that allows him to work, lead, and live independently. At 39 years old, Mat supports himself and his brother, who lives with autism and schizophrenia and recently moved into Mat’s home....