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
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...
My Life, My Choice: How Kevin and Thea Built an Independent Life Together
For Thea and Kevin, self-direction wasn’t just a change in services - it was a chance to finally live their lives in a way that made sense for them as a married couple. Before self-direction, traditional provider services often treated them as two separate individuals...
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...
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...