Parents urge Maryland legislators to reconsider DDA budget cuts impacting disabled services

The Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee met on February 28, 2025, to discuss significant budget cuts impacting the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and its services. The session highlighted concerns from parents and advocates regarding proposed reductions that could severely affect vulnerable individuals relying on these essential services.

During the meeting, a parent shared the challenges faced by David, a participant in the SEEK program, which is set to lose its geographic differential reimbursement rate. This change is expected to hinder the program's ability to hire and retain qualified staff, raising alarms about the potential negative impact on individuals who depend on DDA-funded services. The speaker urged the committee to consider alternative budget cuts that would not harm those reliant on these programs.

Another parent, Dave Knappenberger, challenged the proposed cuts, emphasizing that the disabled community should be the last to face budget reductions in a state as affluent as Maryland. He expressed strong support for both traditional and self-directed service delivery models, arguing that self-direction has been crucial for his family. Knappenberger criticized the DDA's focus on cutting self-directed services, asserting that data shows these participants actually spend less than their traditional counterparts, thus saving the state money.

Scott Ditken, another parent, expressed gratitude for the restoration of some cuts in the fiscal year 2025 budget but called for continued collaboration as the committee navigates the fiscal year 2026 challenges. He shared his daughter's story to illustrate the importance of maintaining funding for DDA services.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for careful consideration of budget cuts that could disproportionately affect Maryland's disabled community, as advocates continue to push for a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of vulnerable individuals. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of these essential services.