Has Maryland ever undertaken a significant multi-year initiative to address the needs of people on the DDA Waiting List? Was it successful?
Yes. There was a Waiting List Initiative in Maryland from FY 1999-2003, first supported by Governor Parris Glendenning. Individuals with disabilities, families and advocates provided the impetus for the Waiting List Initiative through a comprehensive grassroots advocacy campaign. That campaign, which told the stories of thousands of Marylanders with disabilities, moved policy makers, legislators and the Governor to take significant and meaningful action to provide services to individuals on the waiting list for DDA services. In Fiscal Year 1999, individuals with disabilities and their families began to see the fruit of their work. More than $34 million was provided in that first year to serve individuals waiting for services, individuals transitioning out of school and individuals in emergency situations. This ambitious project has translated into thousands of services since the beginning of the Initiative for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Maryland.
Related Questions
- Has Maryland ever undertaken a significant multi-year initiative to address the needs of people on the DDA Waiting List? Was it successful?
- When DDA has funds to serve people on the Waiting List, how is the decision made regarding who gets services?
- How does the Internet2 Middleware Initiative intend to address these needs?
