Advocates and service providers on the Eastern Shore are coming together to oppose proposed budget cuts that could significantly impact developmental disability services in Maryland. The state government, facing a nearly $3 billion deficit, has introduced a budget plan that includes close to $200 million in reductions to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), raising concerns among those who rely on these services.
Scott Evans, executive director of the Benedictine School in Ridgely, described the proposed cuts as the most severe he has witnessed in his 25-year career. According to him, these cuts could have devastating consequences for both service providers and individuals who depend on these programs.
“Bottom line, these proposed cuts of close to $200 million in state funds would be catastrophic to the community service providers, as well as the people we support and our employees,” Evans said. “It would literally set us back years in funding.”
The impact of these budget cuts could limit options for families and individuals with disabilities, especially on the Eastern Shore, where service providers are already limited. Jonathon Rondeau, president and CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, explained that instability in the system would further reduce choices for people with disabilities.
“There are fewer agencies providing services for people with disabilities on the Shore,” Rondeau said. “So if there is instability in the system, it can potentially reduce choice for people with disabilities.”
Evans also pointed out that these budget cuts could affect Benedictine’s ability to offer competitive wages to its employees. The organization has worked to increase wages in recent years to attract and retain quality staff.
“All that has been an investment we’ve made because of the funding that we have received,” Evans said. “Now to wipe that funding out basically overnight means that we’re stuck in a holding pattern.”
Governor Wes Moore’s budget proposal outlines a $1.3 billion allocation for the DDA in fiscal year 2026. The plan also suggests that the state will seek to leverage federal funding better and align Maryland’s programs with federal guidelines. However, the specifics of how these budget cuts will be implemented remain unclear.
Among the key concerns for advocates are reductions in “dedicated hours” funding for those in community living programs, as well as a $14.5 million reduction to self-directed services. These cuts could have a direct impact on individuals who require personalized care and support.
Rondeau explained that the dedicated hour’s cuts could take away important choices from individuals who require care at home.
“Someone who is in their late 60s and retired and chooses to stay home every day rather than going to a day program won’t necessarily have that choice anymore,” Rondeau said. “There won’t be the funding available for that. It’ll be difficult for providers such as The Arc to support someone who may have significant health issues and need to go to the doctors.”
For Karenna Jones of Salisbury, the proposed cuts to self-directed services pose a significant challenge. Her 26-year-old son, Kenneth, has a traumatic brain injury and lives at home. She fears that the funding cuts could force her to consider an option she never wanted: placing her son in a provider home.
“As long as I live, I would never put my kid in a provider home,” Jones said. “But large cuts in funding may leave me with no choice. We might be forced to do that. It’s not fair.”
In response to the proposed cuts, hundreds of advocates gathered at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis for a rally, urging legislators to reject the budget reductions. The event, organized within just three days, drew support from individuals and organizations across the state. Leaders from the Benedictine School and The Arc Central Chesapeake Region attended, along with concerned parents like Jones.
Evans expressed admiration for how quickly the disability community united in response to the budget proposal.
“I’m always amazed at how quickly the folks within the disability community can rally around a cause, and a cause that means so much to them,” Evans said. “And also, to some extent, the positive response we’ve gotten from legislators about these cuts.”
Jones described the rally as inspiring and emotional. She emphasized that the message was clear: the state must protect DDA services and ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind.
“We were saying, ‘Save our DDA services. Save it. Don’t leave us behind,’” Jones said.
With ongoing discussions about the budget, advocates continue to push for reconsideration of the proposed cuts, emphasizing the critical role these services play in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
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Benjamin Ford is a dedicated local journalist passionate about reporting on community news, events, politics, crime, and finance. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering impactful stories, he provides in-depth analysis and timely updates on issues that matter to the local audience. Benjamin enjoys engaging with the community and staying informed on emerging trends when he’s not covering the latest developments.
