DDA receives Federal approval for New Directions
A Consumer-Directed Services Waiver

New Directions will allow up to 100 people (during its first year) to direct their own services. The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is pleased to announce that this new waiver will support individuals who want more control over their services and who are interested in taking more of a management role in their services.

New Directions is for people living in their own homes or with their families.

It will be available to people in all parts of the State.

Everyone in New Directions will have an Individual Budget. With assistance from a Fiscal Management Service (FMS) and a person called a Support Broker, the individual will manage their budget, hire and supervise their own staff and make decisions about how their services are provided. The FMS will pay bills, take care of tax paperwork, and provide monthly budget statements. The Support Broker will be someone the person trusts to help them navigate the system, help them with staff and act as an advocate.

A person in New Directions can get a whole array of services, including support services, supported employment and others.

To view the revised timeline from DDA for Transitioning Youth which now includes the New Directions Waiver, click here.

Contact DDA at 410-767-5600 to receive more information about this exciting new waiver in Maryland.