Living The Life
You Want
Welcome To Our Official Website
SDAN VISION STATEMENT
We envision people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living self-directed, fulfilling lives with access to all the long-term services and supports they need.
SDAN MISSION STATEMENT
SDAN-Maryland’s mission is to advocate for participant choice, control, flexibility, and the sustainability of self-directed services and supports. We do this through education, training, legislative advocacy, maintaining partnerships with state agencies and divisions, and collaborating with organizations committed to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Your Life, Your Choice
Recent Information
News
Jacob and Benjamin: Why Self-Direction Works for Families with Complex Needs
Benjamin is 27. His younger brother Jacob is 24. Both self-direct their services, and for them, self-direction is the foundation that allows two very different young men to live fuller, healthier lives with the individualized support they need. Benjamin has...
Jake’s Story of Stability and Growth
Jake’s success depends on trust. And trust depends on long-term, stable direct support staff who are paid fairly enough to stay. Jake is 25 years old. He has Down syndrome and autism, along with health and sensory needs that require close supervision for his safety....
Noah’s Story: Safety, Structure, and a Life Fully Lived Through Self-Direction
Noah is 24 years old. He is autistic and experiences the world differently, with needs that require consistency and care. He is also deeply social, active, and happiest when he is out in the community, surrounded by familiar faces and meaningful routines. For Noah and...
Charlotte’s Story: Independence Built Through Self-Direction
For Charlotte, self-direction is the reason her independence didn’t disappear when her physical needs changed. It is also the reason why she is able to live independently, work remotely, and build a life that reflects her goals rather than her limitations. Charlotte...
Nick’s Story: Choice, Community, and Safety Through Self-Direction
Nick is 31 years old and lives with his mom and dad, who have spent his life helping him build a meaningful place in the world. He is autistic and nonverbal, communicating primarily through an app on his iPad, along with a few signs and spoken words. Even without many...
Mat’s Story: Building Stability, Independence, and a Future
For Mat self-direction isn’t just a service model - it’s the foundation that allows him to work, lead, and live independently. At 39 years old, Mat supports himself and his brother, who lives with autism and schizophrenia and recently moved into Mat’s home....
SDAN Statement: Clarifying MIDSEC and Urging Action on Proposed DDA Budget Cuts
We want to speak directly to you about the concern and confusion many are feeling right now. We wish to clarify the role of the (MIDSEC) and to ask for your continued advocacy in response to the Department of Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) proposed budget...
Seen, Supported, and Included: Abby’s Story
For Abby, self-direction means living a life that is active, connected, and centered upon her own choices. Before self-direction, Abby participated in a traditional program with rigid schedules, limited flexibility, and frequent staff changes. While those settings...
My Life, My Choice: Spencer’s Story
Spencer is an artist, an explorer, and a young man who knows exactly what he wants from life. Through self-direction, he has built a life shaped by his passions and, most importantly, his own choices. Spencer was born in China and adopted at age four. Early language...
Urgent Action Required to Protect Maryland Self-Direction
The proposed $150 million in cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services are not just numbers on a budget sheet — they represent real people, real families, and real lives that will be directly affected. These reductions would destabilize...
More Lives, More Choices!
Jacob and Benjamin: Why Self-Direction Works for Families with Complex Needs
Benjamin is 27. His younger brother Jacob is 24. Both self-direct their services, and for them, self-direction is the foundation that allows two very different young men to live fuller, healthier lives with the individualized support they need. Benjamin has...
Jake’s Story of Stability and Growth
Jake’s success depends on trust. And trust depends on long-term, stable direct support staff who are paid fairly enough to stay. Jake is 25 years old. He has Down syndrome and autism, along with health and sensory needs that require close supervision for his safety....