FY26 DDA Budget Includes $457M in Cuts!
The proposed FY26 budget includes cuts totaling $457 million to developmental disability services, amounting to a 22% reduction in critical support. These cuts will severely impact people with disabilities, families, and community providers across Maryland.
HERE'S WHAT'S AT STAKE:
Residential Support Cuts: Funding for many homes requiring dedicated 1:1 staffing will be reduced, threatening the quality of care for those who need it most.
County-Specific Funding Reductions: Higher rates in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, and Frederick Counties will be eliminated, reducing provider capacity and significantly impacting services in these areas.
Suspension of the LISS Program: All funding for the Low-Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program will be cut, removing essential small grants that help families who do not receive other DDA services.
Reduction of the wage factor included in Self Directed Services "reasonable and customary rates." This change will impact many of the 3700 people who currently self-direct their services and may affect their ability to retain their qualified direct support professionals.
Elimination of Wage Exceptions in the SDS service model: Self-directed people may obtain approval to pay their direct support professionals at a higher rate, depending on specific circumstances. These circumstances may include compensation for an employee who has worked several years with the person or possesses higher skill sets or competencies to support someone with more complex needs effectively. There is currently no communicated plan for a glide path for these changes: we have received reports this change is currently being implemented.
Restoration of caps on Individual and Family-Directed Goods and Services: People who self-direct currently can use funding in their approved budgets to purchase items and services needed for support. There has been no clear communication on what caps would be used and how the department arrived at the reasonableness of the figures they will be using going forward. This cut has the potential to disrupt services and lives.
In full, these proposed budget cuts will have devastating effects on the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families who rely on these services for daily support and independence.
ACT NOW!
Together, we can make a difference and protect the rights and services vital to our community. Time is of the essence—act now to ensure our voices are heard. Contact Your legislators in Annapolis and urge them to oppose these cuts and restore the funding. Your voice matters!
First, head to the MD General Assembly website, enter your address, and click the "lookup" button to find the contact information for your State senators and delegates.
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- Email your legislators by clicking "email" to send them all a message at once
- Call your legislators after you click each name to get their office's phone number.
- Include your personal experiences to highlight the importance of these services.
Then, share your experience on social media to amplify your voice. Tag your legislators, too, and use #TheseAreOurLives in your posts!
