Note from the Director
As part of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration's (DDA) continued efforts to address the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a clinical team has been added to the staff of the DDA headquarters. This team includes Lisa Hovermale, M.D., Michael Bluestone, PhD, and Mardi Adams, RN. They will be advising and assisting DDA leadership, regional directors, and personnel on clinical issues.
In addition, beginning July, 1, 2013 Marylanders with developmental disabilities will have a greater choice in who connects them and their families to services and supports in their community.
The DDA is pleased to announce the selection of two (2) additional providers for resource coordination effective July, 1, 2013. Resource Connections, Inc. and Service Coordination, Inc. will join several local health departments across the state to serve a critical role providing resource coordination which covers a wide range of assessment, planning and coordination, referral, and monitoring activities to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in obtaining and retaining needed services.
The DDA believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the right to direct their lives and services; should have viable support options available to the public at large; and should have information to make decisions. All providers of resource coordination as of July 1, 2013 will assist people and families applying for, waiting on, and receiving funding and services from the DDA.
Resource Connections, Inc. will provide these services in Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties. Service Coordination, Inc. will provide these services in: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties.
Resource coordination services are also provided by the local health departments in the following counties: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester. The DDA will be conducting an additional recruitment for resource coordination providers to promote choice in each of the four regions.
And as always, we welcome your input. Please continue to share your ideas or comments with me at executiveunit.dda@maryland.gov .
Sincerely,
Frank Kirkland, Director 