Thousands of people with developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome are on a Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) “Waiting List” for vital services and support because of inadequate resources. More than 8,000 people in Maryland’s 24 counties are IN NEED on the Waiting List for supports and services from the DDA. Children in crisis resolution, crisis prevention and current request categories make up more than half of those on the waiting list. MARYLAND CAN DO BETTER!
Waiting List Stories
- Waiting List Story – Nathaniel [Video with Subtitles]
- Waiting List Story – Brent [Video with Subtitles]
- Waiting List Story – Larissa from Montgomery County [Video with Subtitles]
- Waiting List Story – Kevin [Article]
- Waiting List Story – Robb—Baltimore County [Article]
Waiting List History
What laws have affected the waiting list?
- HB1083, introduced in 1993, requires DDA to make available services in the community rather than solely in institutions; make community choice available to individuals living in institutions; to use the savings achieved through community based services and increased federal matching funds to strengthen community service capacity, serve transitioning youth, and fund people on the waiting list. DDA served nearly 13,000 individuals during 1992.
- HB1060, introduced in 1994, created the Waiting List Equity Fund. The Fund consists of savings from transferring from institutional care to community based care for each individual who leaves a residential institution, and interest earned on the Fund. Proceeds from the sale of Great Oaks Residential Center were placed in the Waiting List Equity Fund.
In 1998, Governor Parris Glendenning announced his Waiting List Initiative, which included nearly $14.5 million. The five year plan would place almost 6,000 children and adults into a variety of services. - January 2008, Governor O’Malley signed an executive order requiring the community placement or appropriate setting for all residents of Rosewood Institution. Rosewood was permanently closed in July 2009.
- In 2010, The Income Tax Check-off for the Waiting List Equity Fund passed, allowing Marylanders to donate to the WLEF through a check-off on their state income tax returns.
- In 2011, the Alcohol Sales Tax Increase went into effect, making $12 million available to DDA to serve individuals on the waiting list.
