On Friday, March 21, following tireless advocacy from the disability community, the House Appropriations Committee for the State of Maryland released its proposed budget decisions for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), significantly restoring funding to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).  

Early in the legislative session, the DDA budget faced significant cuts in funding that would have had a significant impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout the state. Earlier this month, Governor Moore announced his supplemental budget, which included nearly $300 million in additional funding for DDA for FY25 and FY26 to address deficit spending and to reinstate the Low-Intensity Support Services program for FY26.  

Key Budget Updates 

The initial FY26 budget included a proposed cut of $457 million; however, $292.48 million has been restored.  

The updated funding breakdown includes the following: 

• Rate and Program Adjustments: A 1% rate increase for all DDA community providers.  

• Dedicated Hour rates will decrease slightly from 87% to 86% funding, but no actual service hours will be cut.  

• The DDA will not consider Shared Hours when approving Dedicated Hours for individuals with specific behavioral or medical needs.  

• Funding has been increased to support approximately 600 transitioning youth, emergencies, and children aging out of foster care.  

• Geographic differential rates remain in effect, maintaining a 10% higher rate for community providers in certain areas.  

• Wage exceptions will be capped at 15% above reasonable and customary wages statewide and 10% above the state rate in geographic differential areas.  

• The Low-Intensity Support Services (LISS) program was reinstated, with $2 million allocated to the program and a new cap of $500 per recipient. 

• In partnership with the Maryland General Assembly, the Moore-Miller Administration has also worked to restore 94% of the planned cost containment measures for DDA in FY25, ensuring that vital services remain accessible for people with disabilities across the state. 

Why This Matters for People with Disabilities 

For Marylanders with disabilities and their support systems, the increased funding for developmental disabilities services is a critical step forward. These funds support essential programs such as residential services, day programs, and employment initiatives that support people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. 

More importantly, this is evidence that advocacy makes a difference and that everyone’s individual and collective efforts matter. It was because of the stories, testimonies, and the collaborative efforts of everyone in the IDD community that these changes took place. 

As the budget process moves forward, continued advocacy will be essential to ensure that these commitments to the disability community remain a priority. 

“This additional funding is a major victory for the disability community, but our work is not done,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations for The Arc. “We must continue to advocate for the resources and policies that empower people with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.” 

The Maryland Legislative Session will remain open for the next several weeks, and we must continue working for this critical funding to remain intact, for essential services to be expanded, and for the rights of people with disabilities to be prioritized in policy decisions. 

How You Can Get Involved 

• Attend a Hearing: Many budget discussions are open to public testimony, providing an opportunity to share personal stories and advocate for continued funding. To find information on upcoming public hearings, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. 

• Engage on Social Media: Use social media platforms to spread awareness and encourage others to reach out to their legislators. You can keep up to date with important events by following The Arc. 

• Join Advocacy Groups: Organizations like The Arc Maryland and Disability Rights Maryland, and The Arc’s Living Boldly provide resources and coordinated advocacy efforts to support disability funding.