Public Statement DRM re: DDA Budget Cuts and Proposed Waiver Amendments, May 2026
Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is aware of and deeply concerned by the recent budget reductions and accompanying proposed waiver amendments affecting services delivered through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), including cuts to both the provider-managed model and self-directed services model.
While we recognize the fiscal challenges facing Maryland and the importance of DDA remaining fiscally solvent, budget pressures do not diminish the State’s legal obligations. Maryland must ensure that any change to service delivery under the waiver does not undermine the legal rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead v. L.C., which require that services be delivered in the most integrated, least restrictive setting appropriate to each individual. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) exist to enable individuals with disabilities to live, work, and fully participate in their communities. Budget cuts and waiver amendments that limit access to community-based services increase the risk of unnecessary institutionalization, service disruption, and serious harm to individuals with disabilities.
We are particularly concerned by reports from people with disabilities, families, and providers that their input has not been meaningfully considered by DDA in the development of these proposals. The lack of transparency and communication regarding these budget cuts and proposed waiver amendments undermines trust and makes it more difficult for affected Marylanders to understand and anticipate changes that directly impact their daily lives.
As Maryland’s Protection and Advocacy Agency, DRM is closely reviewing the proposed cost-containment measures and will assess their legality under federal and state law. We will submit formal comments regarding the proposed waiver amendments. The text of the waiver amendments are available at the following link on the MD Department of Health website: https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Community-Pathways-Waiver-Amendment-4-2026.aspx.
DDA has posted information about regional webinars about the waiver amendments and budget cuts at the above website as well. We encourage all interested parties to stay engaged as information becomes available and consider submitting comments on the proposed waiver amendments.
DRM will examine these proposals from a systemic perspective and, where possible, represent individuals in challenging reductions or denials of services to protect people with disabilities from unnecessary institutionalization. However, these changes will affect thousands of Marylanders, and DRM can only represent a limited number of individuals in their personal situations. We therefore encourage individuals and families to seek additional advocacy resources where available.
We urge the State to work openly and collaboratively with people with disabilities, families, providers, and advocates to identify solutions that preserve access to necessary home and community-based services without compromising the well-being and fundamental rights of people with disabilities.
