Resources
Plain-language explanations of common terms, plus Maryland DDA and IDD materials for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Words you may hear along the way
Disability services come with a lot of acronyms. Here is what the common ones mean, in plain language.
Developmental Disabilities Administration
The Maryland Department of Health agency that determines eligibility for, funds and oversees services for people with developmental disabilities.
Home and Community-Based Services
Medicaid-funded supports delivered in an individual’s own home and community so they can live as independently as possible, with choice, dignity and community access.
Person-Centered Plan
A plan developed with the individual, and the people they choose, that describes their goals, preferences, strengths and the supports they want.
Provider Implementation Plan
The plan a provider writes from the person-centered plan. It sets out the specific supports, staffing and measurable goals, and how progress will be reviewed, with the individual and their coordinator.
Coordinator of Community Services
The professional who helps an individual and their family plan, find and coordinate DDA services, and who often sends referrals.
Community Development Services
Community-based activities and supports that help individuals build skills, relationships and connection to their community.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
A group of lifelong conditions that begin before adulthood and can affect learning, communication, daily living or mobility. “IDD” is the term often used in Maryland and across the country.
Medicaid Waiver
Medicaid funding that pays for services in an individual’s own home and community instead of in an institution. DDA runs Maryland’s waivers for people with developmental disabilities.
Start here: getting DDA services
Official Maryland pages that explain how to apply, who helps you plan, and how to find a provider.
DDA Eligibility Application
The first step to DDA services. Learn who can apply, what documents are needed and how eligibility is decided.
health.maryland.gov/dda (opens in a new tab)Coordinators of Community Services (CCS) and providers
A CCS helps an individual and family plan, find and coordinate DDA services. See how CCS agencies and providers work together.
health.maryland.gov/dda (opens in a new tab)Find a DDA provider
Search Maryland’s directory of providers approved to deliver DDA services, by service and location.
maryland.providersearch.com (opens in a new tab)Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
The Maryland Department of Health agency that funds and oversees services for people with developmental disabilities.
health.maryland.gov/dda (opens in a new tab)Guides to read at your own pace
DDA Guide to Services
An overview of the services DDA funds, for individuals and their families. The current edition is dated October 2025.
PDF on health.maryland.gov (opens in a new tab)DDA Easy-to-Understand Guide
The same guide in simple words and short sentences. The current edition is dated October 2025.
PDF on health.maryland.gov (opens in a new tab)Maryland’s definition of developmental disability
What “developmental disability” means under Maryland law, from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.
md-council.org (opens in a new tab)Families, peers and advocates
Organizations that offer friendship, education and advocacy across Maryland.
Parent to Parent Maryland
Peer support from trained parent mentors, from The Arc Maryland. The program is for parents of children from birth to age 21, so it may suit families who are planning ahead for adulthood.
thearcmd.org (opens in a new tab)The Arc Maryland resources
Guides, news and tools for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, plus local chapters.
thearcmd.org (opens in a new tab)Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council publications
Reports, videos and guides on community inclusion, advocacy and services in Maryland.
md-council.org (opens in a new tab)Sibling support resources
Resources for brothers and sisters of people with developmental disabilities.
md-council.org (opens in a new tab)Disability Rights Maryland
Free legal information and advocacy for Marylanders with disabilities. Phone 410-727-6352 or 1-800-233-7201 (TTY 410-235-5387).
disabilityrightsmd.org (opens in a new tab)If you or someone you love needs help now
HLO Inc.’s office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. These services are available at any hour.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support in a mental health crisis. 988lifeline.org
More helpful links
National Institute of Mental Health
Research-based information on mental health conditions.
www.nimh.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)SAMHSA
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: treatment locators and resources.
www.samhsa.gov (opens in a new tab)American Psychological Association (APA)
Plain-language psychology information for the public.
www.apa.org (opens in a new tab)These links go to outside websites that we do not control, and we are not responsible for their content. HLO Inc. does not determine eligibility; Maryland’s DDA does.
Need help finding the right fit?
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