Developmental Disabilities Administration (for pda/handhelds)

DDA's Mission

The mission of the Developmental Disabilities Administration is to provide leadership to assure the full participation of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in all aspects of community life. In addition, DDA's goal is to promote their empowerment to access quality supports and services necessary to foster personal growth, independence and productivity.

DDA is committed to enabling all individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise the four principles of self-determination:

• FREEDOM to make choices
• AUTHORITY over services and support
• RESPONSIBILITY for organizing resources
• SUPPORTS necessary to live in the community

DDA's Vision

The Developmental Disabilities Administration takes the leadership role in building partnerships and trust with families, providers, local and state agencies, and advocates to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have access to the resources necessary to foster growth, including those available to the general public. Because of our inherent belief in the rights and dignity of the individual, we are committed to:

• The empowerment of all individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to choose the services and supports that meet their needs.
• The integration of individuals with developmental disabilities into community life to foster participation.
• The provision of quality supports, based on consumer satisfaction, that maximizes individual growth and development.
• The establishment of a fiscally responsible, flexible service system that makes the best use of the resources that the citizens of Maryland have allocated for serving individuals with developmental disabilities.